Raghunatha Tondaiman was born in 1798 to Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman, Raja of Pudukkottai kingdom, and his second wife, Rani Ayi Ammani Ayi Sahib Avargal in Pudukkottai and was educated by a private tutor.
[citation needed] Raghunatha Tondaiman reigned for 14 years from his coronation on 20 July 1825.
In 1837, Raghunatha Tondaiman suggested a scheme to bring Cauvery River water into Pudukkottai state but could not execute it due to lack of funds.
[1] Raghunatha Tondaiman was permitted the style "His Excellency" on 2 April 1830 along with a 17-gun salute.
[citation needed] Later he married Rani Kamalambal Ayi Sahib.