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Coordinates: 11°N 79°E / 11°N 79°E / 11; 79
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{{Short description|State in Southern India}}
{{Short description|State in southern India}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2021}}
<!-- See template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name = Tamil Nadu
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| other_name =
| name = Tamil Nadu
| native_name = <!-- Don't add Indic script here, per [[WP:INDICSCRIPT]] -->
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = The big temple.jpg
|photo1a = Mamallapuram view.jpg
| photo2a = Padmanabhapuram Clock Tower.jpg
|photo2a = Left side view Brihadeeswara.jpg
|photo2b = Statue of Thiruvalluvar.jpg
| photo2b = Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, in Srirangam, near Tiruchirappali (28) (37464519366).jpg
|photo3a = A Magnificient Evening Sunset With Pamban Railway Bridge and Boat Mail Express Passes Through this Pamban Railway Bridge !-.jpg
| photo3a = Shore Temple (16217100293).jpg
|photo3b = Hogenakkal Falls Close.jpg
| photo4a = Marina Beach in Chennai as seen from Light house.jpg
|photo4a = Nilgiri Hills.jpg
| photo4b = NMR train at Ketti 05-02-26 75.jpeg
| spacing = 2
|spacing = 1
| position = centre
|size = 250
| size = 280
|position = center
| border = 0
|border = 0
| color = #FFFFFF
|color = #000000
| foot_montage = ''From top, left to right:''<br />[[Great Living Chola Temples]], [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]], [[Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam|Ranganatha Temple]], [[Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram]], [[Marina Beach]] and [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]]
|foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top''': [[Shore Temple]]; [[Thiruvalluvar Statue]]; [[Hogenakkal Falls]]; [[Nilgiri Mountains]]; [[Pamban Bridge]]; and [[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|Brihadisvara Temple]]
}}
}}
| type = State
| image_caption =
| image_seal = TamilNadu Logo.svg
| image_flag =
| etymology = Tamil Country
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| nickname = "Land of Temples"
| image_blank_emblem = TamilNadu Logo.svg
| motto = Vāymaiyē vellum (Truth alone triumphs)
| blank_emblem_type = [[Emblem of Tamil Nadu|Emblem]]
| anthem = "[[Tamil Thai Valthu]]" <br/>
| blank_emblem_size = 100px
| anthem="[[Tamil Thai Valthu]]"{{ref|est|}}<br />''(Invocation to Mother Tamil)''
(Invocation to Mother Tamil)
| image_map = IN-TN.svg
| image_map = IN-TN.svg
| coordinates = {{Coord|11|N|79|E|region:IN-TN_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| map_alt =
| region = South India
| map_caption = Location of Tamil Nadu in [[India]]
| before_was = [[Madras State]]
| coordinates = {{coord|13.09|80.27|region:IN-TN_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| formation_date4 = 1 November 1956
| coor_pinpoint =
| capital = Chennai
| coordinates_footnotes =
| largestcity = capital
| subdivision_type = Country
| metro = Chennai metropolitan area
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| districts = [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu|38 (5 divisions)]]
| established_title = Formation
| Governor = [[R. N. Ravi]]
| established_date = {{start date and age|26|1|1950}}{{ref|est|†}}
| Chief_Minister = [[M. K. Stalin]]
| seat_type = Capital and Largest city
| party = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]
| seat = [[Chennai]]( [[Madras]] )
| Deputy_CM = [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]] ([[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]])
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| parts_style = para
| assembly = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| p1 = [[List of districts of India|33]]
| assembly_seats = 234 seats
| government_footnotes =
| rajya_sabha_seats = 18 seats
| governing_body = [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]
| lok_sabha_seats = 39 seats
| leader_title = [[Governors of Tamil Nadu|Governor]]
| judiciary = [[Madras High Court]]
| leader_name = [[Banwarilal Purohit]]
| area_total_km2 = 130058
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu|Chief&nbsp;Minister]]
| area_rank = 10th
| leader_name1 = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]] ([[AIADMK]])
| length_km = 1076
| leader_title2 = [[Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|Deputy Chief Minister]]
| elevation_m = 189
| leader_name2 = [[O. Panneerselvam]] ([[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]])
| elevation_max_m = 2,636
| leader_title3 = [[Legislature of Tamil Nadu|Legislature]]
| elevation_max_point = [[Doddabetta]]
| leader_name3 = [[Unicameral]] (234)<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu: Girija Vaidyanathan is the new chief secretary|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/231216/tamil-nadu-girija-vaidyanathan-is-the-new-chief-secretary.html|accessdate=31 December 2016|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|location=Tamil Nadu|date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101003219/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/231216/tamil-nadu-girija-vaidyanathan-is-the-new-chief-secretary.html|archive-date=1 January 2017|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| elevation_min_m = 0
| leader_title4 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="pop">{{cite report|title=Decadal variation in population 1901-2011, Tamil Nadu|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/43366/download/47068/33%20A-2%20Tamil%20Nadu.pdf|publisher=[[Government of India]]|page=2|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229191706/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/43366/download/47068/33%20A-2%20Tamil%20Nadu.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Primary census abstract (PCA) data, India & States/UTs - State and district level - 2011|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/6191/download/9268/DDW_PCA0000_2011_Indiastatedist.xlsx|publisher=[[Government of India]]|page=2|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811062646/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/6191/download/9268/DDW_PCA0000_2011_Indiastatedist.xlsx|url-status=live}}</ref>
| leader_name4 = [[Madras High Court]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Rajendran-is-new-DGP-George-is-Commissioner/article14628490.ece|title=Rajendran is new DGP|work=thehindu.com|accessdate=18 October 2016}}</ref>
| population_total = 72,147,030
| unit_pref = Metric
| population_as_of = 2011
| area_footnotes =
| population_rank = 6th
| area_total_km2 = 130,060
| population_density = 554.7
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|11th]]
| population_urban = 48.4%
| area_note =
| population_rural = 51.6%
| elevation_footnotes =
| population_demonym = {{Hlist|[[Tamilian]]|[[Tamilar]]|}}
| elevation_m =
| 0fficial_Langs = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]<ref name="Lang">{{cite act|url=https://archive.org/details/1956TN39/mode/1up|title=The Tamil Nadu Official Language Act, 1956|legislature=[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]|page=1|date=27 December 1956}}</ref>
| population_total = 72,147,030
| additional_official = [[English language|English]]<ref name="Lang"/>
| population_as_of = 2011
| official_script = [[Tamil script]]
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/Tamil_Nadu/6.Figures_Glance_Tamil%20Nadu.pdf |title=Census of india 2011 |publisher=Government of India |access-date=6 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113234157/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/Tamil_Nadu/6.Figures_Glance_Tamil%20Nadu.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| GDP_footnotes = <ref name="GSDP">{{cite report|url=https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/datacatalogue/NASdata/SDP/SDP-as%20on%2001.08.2024/State_wise_SDP-01082024_GSDP_Current.xlsx|title=Gross State Domestic Product (Current Prices)|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref><ref name="NSDP">{{cite report|url=https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_as_on_15032024.xls|title=Per Capita Net State Domestic Product (Current Prices)|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| GDP_total = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|27.22|t|lk=r}}
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|6th]]
| GDP_year = 2023–24
| population_demonym = [[Tamil people|Tamil]], [[Tamilian]], [[Tamilar]]
| GDP_rank = 2nd
| population_note =
| GDP_per_capita = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|315220|lk=r}}
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 9th
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| HDI = {{Decrease}} 0.686 {{color|#fc0|Medium}}
| area_code =
| HDI_year = 2021
| area_code_type = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| HDI_rank = 14th
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-TN]]
| literacy = {{Increase}} 80.09%
| registration_plate = TN
| literacy_year = 2011
| demographics_type1 = GDP
| literacy_rank = 14th
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="Tamil Nadu_Budget">{{cite web |title= Tamil Nadu fin_budget_speech_e_2018_19 |url= https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/budget_files/State%20Budget%20Analysis%20-%20Tamil%20Nadu%202019-20.pdf |website=PRS Legislative Research |accessdate= 1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301164639/https://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/budget_files/State%20Budget%20Analysis%20-%20Tamil%20Nadu%202019-20.pdf|archive-date=2 February 2019|dead-url=yes}}</ref><ref name="MOSPI">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/StatewiseDomesticProduct_3aug18.xls|title=MOSPI Gross State Domestic Product|last=|first=|date=3 August 2018|website=Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818150754/http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/StatewiseDomesticProduct_3aug18.xls|archive-date=18 August 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| sex_ratio = 996[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| demographics1_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]] {{nobold|(2018–19)}}
| sexratio_year = 2011
| demographics1_info1 = {{INRConvert|17.25|lc}}
| sexratio_rank = 3rd
| demographics1_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per capita]] {{nobold|(2017–18)}}
| iso_code = IN-TN
| demographics1_info2 = {{INRConvert|186125}}
| registration_plate = TN
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2017)}}
| website = tn.gov.in
| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.708<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |accessdate=25 September 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><br /><span style="color:#090">high</span> · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|11th]]
| mammal = [[Nilgiri Tahr]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| bird = [[Common emerald dove|Emerald Dove]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 80.33%<ref>{{cite web |title=censusindia.gov.in |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/tamilnadu/3.Tamil%20Nadu_PPT_2011-BOOK%20FINAL.pdf |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419025403/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/tamilnadu/3.Tamil%20Nadu_PPT_2011-BOOK%20FINAL.pdf |archive-date=19 April 2016 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| butterfly = [[Cirrochroa thais|Tamil Yeoman]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| flower = [[Gloriosa (plant)|Gloriosa Lily]]
| blank2_info_sec1 = 996 [[females|♀]]/1000 [[males|♂]]<ref name="sex ratio">{{cite web|title=Sex ratio of Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/sexratio.php|publisher=[[Census of India]]|accessdate=27 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227054841/http://www.census2011.co.in/sexratio.php|archive-date=27 February 2014|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| tree = [[Borassus flabellifer|Asian Palm]]
| demographics_type2 = Languages
| fruit = [[Jackfruit]]
| demographics2_title1 = Official
| image_highway = SH IN-TN.png
| demographics2_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]<ref name=langoff>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |title=52nd report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India (July 2014 to June 2015) |page=132 |date=29 March 2016 |work=Ministry of Minority Affairs (Government of India) |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archivedate=25 May 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Tamil Nadu|TN SH1 - TN SH223]]
| demographics2_title2 = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics2_info2 = [[English language|English]]<ref name=langoff />
| footnotes = {{note|est|#}} [[Jana Gana Mana]] is the national anthem, while "Invocation to Mother Tamil" is the state song/anthem.<br />{{note|est|†}} Established in 1773; Madras State was formed in 1950 and renamed as Tamil Nadu on 14 January 1969{{sfn|Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly history|2012}}
<!---->
{{Infobox region symbols
| embedded = yes
| state = Tamil Nadu
| country = India
| language = [[File:Word Tamil.svg|50px|left]] [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| emblem = [[File:TamilNadu Logo.svg|50px|left]] [[Srivilliputhur Andal temple]]
| seal = [[File:TamilNadu Logo.svg|50px|left]] [[Seal of Tamil Nadu]]
| song = [[File:Neerarum Kadaludutha.jpg|50px|left]] "[[Invocation to Goddess Tamil]]"
| animal = [[File:Niltahr.jpg|50px|left]] [[Nilgiri tahr]]
| bird = [[File:Emerald dove444.jpg|50px|left]] [[Emerald dove]]
| tree = [[File:Palm Tamil Nadu.jpg|50px|left]] [[palm tree]]
| flower = [[File:Gloriosa Superba.jpg|50px|left]] [[Glory lily|Gloriosa lily]]
| sport = [[File:A Kabaddi match at 2006 Asian Games.jpg|50px|left]] [[Kabaddi]]
| dance = [[File:Bharathanatyam By Ranjitha.jpg|50px|left]] [[Bharatanatyam|Bharathanattiyam]]
}}
| official_name =
}}
}}


'''Tamil Nadu''' ({{lang-ta|தமிழ்நாடு|Tamiḻ Nāḍu}} {{IPA-ta|ˈt̪ɐmɨɻ ˈn̪aːɖɯ||Tamil Nadu.ogg}}, "[[Tamils|Tamil]] Country"), formerly '''[[Madras State]]''', is one of the [[States and union territories of India|29 states of India]]. Its capital and largest city is [[Chennai]] (formerly known as Madras). Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the [[Indian subcontinent]] and is bordered by the [[union territory]] of [[Puducherry]] and the [[South India]]n states of [[Kerala]], [[Karnataka]], and [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is bounded by the [[Eastern Ghats]] on the north, by the [[Nilgiri Mountains]], the [[Meghamalai]] Hills, and [[Kerala]] on the west, by the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the east, by the [[Gulf of Mannar]] and the [[Palk Strait]] on the southeast, and by the Indian Ocean on the south. The state shares a maritime border with the nation of [[Sri Lanka]].
'''Tamil Nadu''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|t|æ|m|ᵻ|l|_|ˈ|n|ɑː|d|uː}}; {{IPA-ta|ˈtamiɻ ˈnaːɽɯ|lang|Tamil Nadu.ogg}}, {{small|abbr.}} '''TN''') is the southernmost [[States and union territories of India|state]] of [[India]]. The [[List of states and union territories of India by area|tenth largest Indian state by area]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|sixth largest by population]], Tamil Nadu is the home of the [[Tamil people]], who speak the [[Tamil language]]—the state's official language and one of the longest surviving [[Classical languages of India|classical languages]] of the world. The capital and largest city is [[Chennai]].


Located on the south-eastern coast of the [[Indian peninsula]], Tamil Nadu is straddled by the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Deccan Plateau]] in the west, the [[Eastern Ghats]] in the north, the [[Eastern Coastal Plains]] lining the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the east, the [[Gulf of Mannar]] and the [[Palk Strait]] to the south-east, the [[Laccadive Sea]] at the southern [[Cape (geography)|cape]] of the peninsula, with the river [[Kaveri]] bisecting the state. Politically, Tamil Nadu is bound by the Indian states of [[Kerala]], [[Karnataka]], and [[Andhra Pradesh]], and encloses a part of the [[union territory]] of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. It shares an international [[maritime border]] with the [[Northern Province, Sri Lanka|Northern Province]] of [[Sri Lanka]] at [[Pamban Island]].
Tamil Nadu is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|eleventh largest Indian state by area]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|sixth largest by population]]. It has a [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|high HDI ranking]] among Indian states as of 2017.<ref name="snhdi-gdl" /> The [[economy of Tamil Nadu]] is the [[List of Indian states by GDP|second-largest state economy]] in India with {{INRConvert|17.25|lc}} in [[gross domestic product]] after [[Maharashtra]] and a per capita GDP of {{INRConvert|167|k}}.<ref name="Tamil Nadu_Budget" /> It was ranked as one of the top seven developed states in India based on a "Multidimensional Development Index" in a 2013 report published by the [[Reserve Bank of India]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rajan report: Odisha, Bihar least developed; Goa, Kerala on top |url=http://profit.ndtv.com/news/economy/article-rajan-report-odisha-bihar-least-developed-goa-kerala-on-top-327723 |access-date=27 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927062029/http://profit.ndtv.com/news/economy/article-rajan-report-odisha-bihar-least-developed-goa-kerala-on-top-327723 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Its official language is [[Tamil language|Tamil]], which is one of the longest-surviving [[classical language]]s in the world.


[[Archaeological evidence]] points to Tamil Nadu being inhabited for more than 400 millennia, first by [[Archaic humans|hominids]] and then by modern [[human]]s. The state has more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history. [[History of Tamil Nadu|Historically]], the [[Tamilakam]] region was inhabited by Tamil-speaking [[Dravidian people]], who were ruled by several regimes over centuries such as the [[Sangam era]] [[Three Crowned Kings|triumvirate]] of the [[Chera dynasty|Cheras]], [[Chola dynasty|Cholas]] and [[Pandya dynasty|Pandyas]], the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] (3rd–9th century CE), and the later [[Vijayanagara Empire]] (14th–17th century CE). [[Colonial India|European colonization]] began with establishing trade ports in the 17th century, with the [[British Raj|British controlling]] much of the state as a part of the [[Madras Presidency]] for two centuries. After the [[India's Independence|Indian Independence]] in 1947, the region became the [[Madras State]] of the Republic of India and was further re-organized when states were redrawn linguistically in [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|1956]] into its current shape. The state was renamed as Tamil Nadu, meaning "Tamil Country", in 1969. Hence, [[Tamil culture|culture]], [[Tamil cuisine|cuisine]] and [[Architecture of Tamil Nadu|architecture]] have seen multiple influences over the years and have developed diversely.
The region was ruled by several empires, including the [[Three Crowned Kings|three great empires]] – [[Chola dynasty|Chola]], [[Chera dynasty|Chera]], and [[Pandya dynasty|Pandyan]] empires, which shape the region's [[Tamil cuisine|cuisine]], [[Tamil culture|culture]], and [[Architecture of Tamil Nadu|architecture]]. The [[British Empire|British Colonial rule]] during the modern period led to the emergence of [[Chennai]], then known as Madras, as a world-class city. Modern-day Tamil Nadu was formed in 1956 after the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|reorganization of states]] on linguistic lines. The state is home to a number of historic buildings, multi-religious pilgrimage sites, [[hill station]]s and three [[World Heritage site]]s.{{sfn|UNESCO|2012}}{{sfn|Press Information Bureau releases|2012}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last=|first=|date=March 1984|title=The Living culture of the Tamils; The UNESCO Courier: a window open on the world|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0007/000746/074678eo.pdf|journal=The UNESCO Courier|volume=XXXVII, 3; 1984|pages=|via=|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417120704/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0007/000746/074678eo.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2018|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

{{As of|2023|24}}, Tamil Nadu had an [[economy of Tamil Nadu|economy]] with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of {{INRConvert|27.22|t|lk=r}}, making it the [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|second-largest]] economy amongst the 28 states of India. It has the country's [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|9th-highest GSDP per capita]] of {{INRConvert|315220|lk=r}} and ranks [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|11th]] in [[human development index]]. Tamil Nadu is also one of the most industrialised states, with the [[manufacturing sector]] accounting for nearly one-third of the state's GDP. With its diverse culture and architecture, long coastline, forests and mountains, Tamil Nadu is home to a number of ancient relics, historic buildings, religious sites, [[beaches]], [[hill stations]], [[forts]], [[waterfalls]] and four [[World Heritage Site]]s. The state's [[Tourism in Tamil Nadu|tourism industry]] is the largest among the Indian states. The state has three [[biosphere reserves]], [[mangrove]] forests, five [[National Parks]], 18 [[wildlife sanctuaries]] and 17 [[bird sanctuaries]]. The [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]], nicknamed as Kollywood, plays an influential role in the state's popular culture.

==Etymology==
The name is derived from [[Tamil language]] with ''nadu'' meaning "land" and Tamil Nadu meaning "the land of Tamils". The [[Tamil language#Etymology|origin]] and precise etymology of the word Tamil is unclear with multiple theories attested to it.<ref name="Zvelebil">{{cite book|first=Kamil V.|last=Zvelebil|year=1973|title=The smile of Murugan: on Tamil literature of South India|publisher=Brill|location=Leiden|isbn=978-3-447-01582-0|pages=11–12}}</ref> In the ancient [[Sangam literature]], [[Tamilakam]] refers to the area of present-day Tamil Nadu, [[Kerala]] and parts of [[Karnataka]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]]. ''[[Tolkāppiyam]]'' (2nd to 1st century BCE) indicates the borders of Tamilakam as [[Tirumala]] and [[Cape Comorin|Kanniyakumari]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dinamani.com/weekly-supplements/tamilmani/2011/Jan/02/%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%99%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-291655.html|title=Venkadam to Kumari|work=[[Dina Mani]]|date=January 2011|language=ta|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The name ''Tamilakam'' is used in other Sangam era literature such as ''[[Puṟanāṉūṟu]]'', ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]'', ''[[Cilappatikaram]]'', and ''[[Manimekalai]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilvu.org/courses/degree/a031/a0311/html/a0311332.htm|title=History of Ancient Tamilakam|language=ta|work=[[Tamil Virtual University]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508065803/https://www.tamilvu.org/courses/degree/a031/a0311/html/a0311332.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Cilappatikaram'' (5th to 6th century CE) and ''[[Ramavataram]]'' (12th century CE) mention the name ''Tamil Nadu'' to denote the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tamilvu.org/slet/l3100/l3100uri.jsp?slno=2700&subid=2700026|title=Cilappatikaram|work=[[Tamil Virtual University]]|language=ta|access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://temple.dinamalar.com/news_detail.php?id=8344|title=Cilappatikaram|work=[[Dinamalar]]|language=ta|access-date=24 February 2023|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224143527/https://temple.dinamalar.com/news_detail.php?id=8344|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tamilconcordance.in/TABLE-KAMBAN-4-TEXT.html|title=Kambaramayanam|work=Tamil Concordance|language=ta|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508064327/http://tamilconcordance.in/TABLE-KAMBAN-4-TEXT.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
{{Main|History of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Main|History of Tamil Nadu}}


=== Prehistory ===
=== Prehistory (before 5th century BCE) ===
Archaeological evidence points to this area being one of the longest continuous habitations in the Indian peninsula.{{sfn|Nobrega| 2008| p= 20}} In [[Attirampakkam]], archaeologists from the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education excavated ancient stone tools which suggests that a humanlike population existed in the Tamil Nadu region somewhere around 300,000 years before [[homo sapiens]] arrived from Africa.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sciencenews.org/article/sharp-stones-found-india-signal-surprisingly-early-toolmaking-advances |title=Science News : Archaeology – Anthropology : Sharp stones found in India signal surprisingly early toolmaking advances |publisher= |access-date=9 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209183736/https://www.sciencenews.org/article/sharp-stones-found-india-signal-surprisingly-early-toolmaking-advances |archive-date=9 February 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/02/01/very-old-very-sophisticated-tools-found-in-india-the-question-is-who-made-them/ |title=The Washington Post : Very old, very sophisticated tools found in India. The question is: Who made them? |publisher= |access-date=9 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210201237/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/02/01/very-old-very-sophisticated-tools-found-in-india-the-question-is-who-made-them/ |archive-date=10 February 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In [[Adichanallur]], {{convert|24|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Tirunelveli]], archaeologists from the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) unearthed 169 clay urns containing human skulls, skeletons, bones, husks, grains of rice, charred rice and [[celt (tool)|celts]] of the [[Neolithic]] period, 3,800 years ago.{{sfn|''The Times of India''|1 January 2006}} The ASI archaeologists have proposed that the script used at that site is "very rudimentary" [[Tamil Brahmi]].{{sfn|''The Hindu''|17 December 2005}} Adichanallur has been announced as an archaeological site for further excavation and studies.{{sfn|''The Hindu''|26 May 2004}} About 60 per cent of the total epigraphical inscriptions found by the ASI in India are from Tamil Nadu, and most of these are in the [[Tamil language]].{{sfn|''The Hindu''|22 November 2005}}<ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-01-01/science/27786741_1_human-skeletons-evolution-bio Skeletons dating back 3,800 years throw light on evolution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614210546/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-01-01/science/27786741_1_human-skeletons-evolution-bio |date=14 June 2013 }}. [[The Times of India]].</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/02/17/stories/2005021704471300.htm |title=The Hindu : National : 'Rudimentary Tamil-Brahmi script' unearthed at Adichanallur |publisher= |access-date=27 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128133014/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/02/17/stories/2005021704471300.htm# |archive-date=28 January 2007 |dead-url=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>[http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/reserve-collections-of-asi-to-be-displayed/225624.html Reserve Collections to be Displayed]{{dead link|date=October 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> {{sfn|Caldwell|1989|p=88}}{{sfn|Ayyar| 1991| pp=498–499}}<ref>K.A.N. Sashtri, A History of South India, pp 109–112</ref><ref>K.A.N. Sastri, ''A History of South India'', OUP (1955) p 124</ref><ref>Kamil Veith Zvelebil, ''Companion Studies to the History of Tamil Literature'', p 12</ref>
[[Archaeological evidence]] points to the region being inhabited by hominids more than 400 millennia ago.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sciencenews.org/article/sharp-stones-found-india-signal-surprisingly-early-toolmaking-advances|title=Science News : Archaeology – Anthropology : Sharp stones found in India signal surprisingly early toolmaking advances|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209183736/https://www.sciencenews.org/article/sharp-stones-found-india-signal-surprisingly-early-toolmaking-advances|archive-date=9 February 2018|url-status=live|date=31 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/02/01/very-old-very-sophisticated-tools-found-in-india-the-question-is-who-made-them/|title= Very old, very sophisticated tools found in India. The question is: Who made them?|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210201237/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/02/01/very-old-very-sophisticated-tools-found-in-india-the-question-is-who-made-them/|archive-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Artifacts recovered in [[Adichanallur]] by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) indicate a continuous history from more than 3,800 years ago.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/skeletons-dating-back-3800-years-throw-light-on-evolution/articleshow/1354201.cms|title=Skeletons dating back 3,800 years throw light on evolution|access-date=11 June 2008|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 January 2006|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124105726/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1354201,prtpage-1.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Neolithic]] [[Celt (tool)|celts]] with the [[Indus script]] dated between 1500 and 2000 BCE indicate the use of the [[Harappan language]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=T|first1=Saravanan|date=22 February 2018|title=How a recent archaeological discovery throws light on the history of Tamil script|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/10th-century-ce-oil-press-discovered-near-andipatti-with-a-tamil-script/article22814589.ece|access-date=26 February 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109005047/https://www.thehindu.com/society/10th-century-ce-oil-press-discovered-near-andipatti-with-a-tamil-script/article22814589.ece|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=the eternal harappan script|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/the-eternal-harappan-script-tease|date=27 November 2014|work=Open magazine|access-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324134658/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/the-eternal-harappan-script-tease|archive-date=24 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Excavations at [[Keezhadi excavation site|Keezhadi]] have revealed a large urban settlement, with the earliest artefact dated to 580 BCE, during the time of urbanization in the [[Indo-Gangetic plain]].<ref>{{cite news|date=21 August 2020|title=Keezhadi sixth phase: What do the findings so far tell us?|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/keezhadi-sixth-phase-what-do-findings-so-far-tell-us-131269|access-date=31 January 2021|newspaper=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124023909/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/keezhadi-sixth-phase-what-do-findings-so-far-tell-us-131269|url-status=live|first=Anjana|last=Shekar }}</ref> Further epigraphical inscriptions found at Adichanallur use [[Tamil Brahmi]], a rudimentary script dated to 5th century BCE.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/article30205148.ece|title=A rare inscription|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 July 2009|access-date=1 June 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922154651/https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/article30205148.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Potsherds uncovered from Keeladi indicate a script which might be a transition between the Indus Valley script and Tamil Brahmi script used later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/artefacts-with-tamil-brahmi-script-unearthed-at-keeladi-to-find-a-special-place-in-museum/article66529594.ece|title=Artifacts unearthed at Keeladi to find a special place in museum|date=19 February 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=14 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114173611/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/artefacts-with-tamil-brahmi-script-unearthed-at-keeladi-to-find-a-special-place-in-museum/article66529594.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Indus valley script between 2000 and 1500 BCE ===
=== Sangam period (5th century BCE–3rd century CE) ===
[[File:South India in Sangam Period.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tamilakam]] during the [[Sangam Period]] (500&nbsp;BCE&ndash;300&nbsp;CE)]]
A Neolithic stone [[Celt (tool)|celt]] (a hand-held axe) with the [[Indus script]] on it was discovered at Sembian-Kandiyur near [[Mayiladuthurai]] in Tamil Nadu. According to epigraphist [[Iravatham Mahadevan]], this was the first datable artefact bearing the Indus script to be found in Tamil Nadu. According to Mahadevan, the find was evidence of the use of the [[Harappan language]], and therefore that the "Neolithic people of the Tamil country spoke a [[Harappan language]]". The date of the celt was estimated at between 1500 BCE and 2000 BCE. Though this finding remains contested,like the claim of historian Michel Danino who rubbishes the theory of the latter’s southward migration in a paper he presented at the International Symposium on Indus Civilisation and Tamil Language in 2007. He wrote: ‘There is no archaeological evidence of a southward migration through the Deccan after the end of the urban phase of the Indus- Sarasvati civilization… The only actual evidence of movements at that period is of Late Harappans migrating towards the Ganges plains and towards Gujarat... Migration apart, there is a complete absence of Harappan artefacts and features south of the Vindhyas: no Harappan designs on pottery, no Harappan seals, crafts and ornaments, no trace of Harappan urbanism… Cultural continuity from Harappan to historical times has been increasingly documented in North India, but not in the South… This means, in effect, that the south-bound Late Harappans would have reverted from an advanced urban bronze-age culture to a Neolithic one! Their migration to South would thus constitute a double “archaeological miracle”: apart from being undetectable on the ground, it implies that the migrants experienced a total break with all their traditions. Such a phenomenon is unheard of.’
<ref>{{cite news |title=Significance of Mayiladuthurai find |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article3126838.ece |accessdate=2 April 2016 |work=The Hindu |date=1 May 2006 |language=en-IN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101032334/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article3126838.ece |archive-date=1 January 2016 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=T|first1=Saravanan|title=How a recent archaeological discovery throws light on the history of Tamil script|url=http://www.thehindu.com/society/10th-century-ce-oil-press-discovered-near-andipatti-with-a-tamil-script/article22814589.ece|date=22 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= the eternal harappan script |url= http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/the-eternal-harappan-script-tease |access-date= 24 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190324134658/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/india/the-eternal-harappan-script-tease |archive-date= 24 March 2019 |dead-url= no |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

=== Sangam period (500 BCE – 300 CE) ===
{{Main|Sangam period|Tamilakam|Sangam landscape}}
{{Main|Sangam period|Tamilakam|Sangam landscape}}
The [[Sangam period]] lasted for about eight centuries, from 500 BCE to 300 CE with the main source of history during the period coming from the Sangam literature.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jesudasan|first=Dennis S.|date=20 September 2019|title=Keezhadi excavations: Sangam era older than previously thought, finds study|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/keeladi-findings-traceable-to-6th-century-bc-report/article29461583.ece|access-date=12 August 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082058/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/keeladi-findings-traceable-to-6th-century-bce-report/article29461583.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Dr. Anjali|title=Social and Cultural History of Ancient India|publisher=OnlineGatha—The Endless Tale|date=2017|location=Lucknow|pages=123–136|isbn=978-9-386-35269-9}}</ref> Ancient [[Tamilakam]] was ruled by a [[Three Crowned Kings|triumvirate]] of monarchical states, [[Chera dynasty|Cheras]], [[Chola dynasty|Cholas]] and [[Pandya dynasty|Pandyas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/three-crowned-kings-tamilakam/|title=Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam|publisher=National Geographic Society|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224093728/https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/three-crowned-kings-tamilakam/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cheras controlled the western part of Tamilkam, the Pandyas controlled the south, and the Cholas had their base in the [[Kaveri]] delta. The kings called ''Vendhar'' ruled over several tribes of ''Velala'' (peasants), headed by the ''[[Velirs|Velir]]'' chiefs.<ref>{{cite book|title=From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|first=Upinder|last=Singh|year=2008|isbn=978-8-131-71120-0|publisher=Pearson Education|page=425}}</ref> The rulers patronized multiple religions including [[Historical Vedic religion|vedic religion]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]] and sponsored some of the earliest Tamil literature with the oldest surviving work being [[Tolkāppiyam]], a book of Tamil grammar.<ref>{{cite journal|author= Kamil Zvelebil|title=Comments on the Tolkappiyam Theory of Literature|journal=Archiv Orientální|volume=59|year=1991|pages= 345–359}}</ref>
[[File:KeeladiExcavationCamp8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Keeladi excavation site|Keeladi]], a Sangam Era Excavation Site, [[Sangam period]]]]<ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/keezhadi-excavation-the-story-till-now/article18464920.ece Keezhadi excavation: Unearthing an ancient civilisation in Tamil Nadu - The Hindu<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

The early history of the people and rulers of Tamil Nadu is a topic in Tamil literary sources known as [[Sangam literature]]. Numismatic, archaeological and literary sources corroborate that the Sangam period lasted for about eight centuries, from 500 BC to AD 300. The recent excavations in [[Alagankulam]] archaeological site suggests that Alagankulam is one of the important trade centre or port city in Sangam Era.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/excavation-begins-at-alagankulam-archaeological-site/articleshow/58593108.cms |title=Excavation begins at Alagankulam archaeological site |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902082624/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/excavation-begins-at-alagankulam-archaeological-site/articleshow/58593108.cms |archive-date=2 September 2017 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

=== Bhakti Movement (400 CE – 1000 CE)===
{{Main|Bhakti Movement}}
[[File:Child Saint Sambandar (915580465).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Sambandar]], one of the sixty-three [[Nayanars]], ([[Bhakti movement|Bhakti]] Movement)]]
The Bhakti movement originated in Tamil speaking region of [[South India]] and spread northwards through India. The ''[[Bhakti Movement]]'' was a rapid growth of ''bhakti'' beginning in this region with the [[Saiva]] [[Nayanars]] (4th–10th centuries)<ref name="Embree">{{cite book |last=Embree |first=Ainslie Thomas |authorlink=Ainslie Embree |author2=Stephen N. Hay |author3=William Theodore De Bary |title=Sources of Indian Tradition |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=1988 |page=342 |isbn=978-0-231-06651-8 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=An5mD6KMiSIC&pg=PA342}}</ref> and the [[Vaisnava]] [[Alvars]] who spread ''bhakti'' poetry and devotion.<ref name="Embree" /><ref name = Flood>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qSfneQ0YYY8C&lpg=PP1&dq=editions%3AqSfneQ0YYY8C&pg=PA4#v=onepage&q=uniting%20and%20dispersing%20tendencies&f=false |title=The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism |isbn=978-0-631-21535-6 |last1=Flood |first1=Gavin |date=2003-02-07 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101181012/https://books.google.com/books?id=qSfneQ0YYY8C&lpg=PP1&dq=editions%3AqSfneQ0YYY8C&pg=PA4#v=onepage&q=uniting%20and%20dispersing%20tendencies&f=false |archive-date=1 January 2016 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The [[Alwars]] and [[Nayanmars]] were instrumental in propagating the [[Bhakti]] tradition.

=== Middle Kingdoms (600–1300 CE) ===
[[File:kallanai.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Kallanai or Grand Anicut, an ancient dam built on the [[Kaveri River]] in [[Tiruchirappalli district]] by [[Karikala Chola]] around the 2nd century AD<ref>{{cite news |title=Flowing waters for fertile fields |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article2408778.ece |accessdate= |newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 August 2011 |location=India |first=M. |last=Balaganessin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717220026/http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article2408778.ece |archive-date=17 July 2012 |dead-url=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="kallanai_googlebook">{{cite book |last=Singh |first=Vijay P. |author2=Ram Narayan Yadava |title=Water Resources System Operation: Proceedings of the International Conference on Water and Environment |publisher=Allied Publishers |year=2003 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=Bge-0XX6ip8C&pg=PA508&dq=kallanai#PPA508,M1 |isbn=978-81-7764-548-4 |page=508}}</ref><ref name="kallanai_oldest">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindunet.org/saraswati/traditionwater.pdf |title=''This is the oldest stone water-diversion or water-regulator structure in the world'' |accessdate=27 May 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206130842/http://www.hindunet.org/saraswati/traditionwater.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate=6 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9021884/Cauvery-River |title=Cauvery River&nbsp;– Britannica Online Encyclopedia |publisher=Britannica.com |accessdate=23 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726171728/http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9021884/Cauvery-River |archive-date=26 July 2008 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>]]


The kingdoms had significant diplomatic and trade contacts with other kingdoms to the north and with the [[Roman empire|Romans]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Edicts of King Ashoka|url=https://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/ashoka.html|access-date=1 November 2023|publisher=Colorado State University|quote=Everywhere within Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi's domain, and among the people beyond the borders, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the [[Velirs|Satyaputras]], the Keralaputras, as far as Tamraparni|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511083821/http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/ashoka.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Much of the commerce from the Romans and Han China were facilitated via seaports including [[Muziris]] and [[Korkai]] with [[spices]] being the most prized goods along with [[pearls]] and [[silk]].<ref>{{cite book|first=K.A.|last=Neelakanta Sastri|title=A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times To the Fall of Vijayanagar|publisher=Oxford|isbn=978-0-195-60686-7|year=1955|pages=125–127}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://online.ucpress.edu/gastronomica/issue/7/2|title=The Medieval Spice Trade and the Diffusion of the Chile|date=26 October 2021|journal=Gastronomica|volume=7|access-date=31 January 2021|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026111301/https://online.ucpress.edu/gastronomica/issue/7/2|url-status=live}}</ref> From 300&nbsp;CE, the region was ruled by the [[Kalabhra dynasty|Kalabhras]], warriors belonging to the [[Vellalar]] community, who were once feudatories of the three ancient Tamil kingdoms.<ref>{{cite book|last=Chakrabarty|first=D.K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EIAyDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT84|title=The Geopolitical Orbits of Ancient India: The Geographical Frames of the Ancient Indian Dynasties|publisher=Oxford|year=2010|isbn=978-0-199-08832-4|page=84|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004104153/https://books.google.com/books?id=EIAyDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT84|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kalabhra era is referred to as the "dark period" of Tamil history, and information about it is generally inferred from any mentions in the literature and inscriptions that are dated many centuries after their era ended.<ref>{{cite book|author=T.V. Mahalingam|title= Proceedings of the Second Annual Conference|year=1981|publisher= South Indian History Congress|pages=28–34}}</ref> The twin Tamil epics [[Silappatikaram]] and [[Manimekalai]] were written during the era.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ancient Tamil Country: Its Social and Economic Structure|author=S. Sundararajan|publisher=Navrang, 1991|page=233}}</ref> Tamil classic [[Tirukkuṟaḷ|Tirukkural]] by [[Valluvar]], a collection of couplets is attributed to the same period.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tamil Culture as Revealed in Tirukkural|author=Iḷacai Cuppiramaṇiyapiḷḷai Muttucāmi|publisher=Makkal Ilakkia Publications|page=137|year=1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Social Philosophy of Tirukkural|first=Subramania|last=Gopalan|publisher=Affiliated East-West Press|page=53|year=1979}}</ref>
[[File:Mamallapuram view.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Shore Temple]] built by the [[Pallavas]] at [[Mamallapuram]] during the 8th century, now a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]]]


=== Medieval era (4th–13th century CE) ===
During the 4th to 8th centuries, Tamil Nadu saw the rise of the [[Pallava dynasty]] under [[Mahendravarman I]] and his son ''Mamalla'' [[Narasimhavarman I]].{{sfn|Sastri|2008| pp= 91–92}} The Pallavas ruled parts of [[South India]] with [[Kanchipuram]] as their capital. [[Tamil architecture]] reached its peak during Pallava rule. [[Narasimhavarman II]] built the [[Shore Temple]] which is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].
[[File:Five Rathas - Mahabalipuram.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rock cut]] monuments in [[Mahabalipuram]] built by the [[Pallava dynasty]]]]
[[File:Maduraitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|The [[Meenakshi Amman Temple]]]] Much later, the [[Pallavas]] were replaced by the [[Chola dynasty]] as the dominant kingdom in the 9th century and they in turn were replaced by the [[Pandyan Dynasty]] in the 13th century. The Pandyan capital [[Madurai]] was in the deep south away from the coast. They had extensive trade links with the south east Asian maritime empires of [[Srivijaya]] and their successors, as well as contacts, even formal diplomatic contacts, reaching as far as the [[Roman Empire]]. During the 13th century, [[Marco Polo]] mentioned the Pandyas as the [[richest country|richest empire]] in existence. Temples such as the [[Meenakshi Amman Temple]] at [[Madurai]] and [[Nellaiappar Temple]] at [[Tirunelveli]] are the best examples of Pandyan temple architecture.{{sfn|Sastri|1970|pp=18–182}} The Pandyas excelled in both trade and literature. They controlled the pearl fisheries along the south coast of India, between Sri Lanka and India, which produced some of the finest pearls in the known ancient world.
Around the 7th century CE, the Kalabhras were overthrown by the Pandyas and Cholas, who patronised Buddhism and Jainism before the revival of [[Saivism]] and [[Vaishnavism]] during the [[Bhakti movement]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Sastri|first=K.A. Nilakanta|title=A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar|orig-year=1955|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-0-195-60686-7|page=333}}</ref> Though they existed previously, the period saw the rise of the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] in the sixth century CE under [[Mahendravarman I]], who ruled parts of [[South India]] with [[Kanchipuram]] as their capital.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Francis|first=Emmanuel|date=28 October 2021|title=Pallavas|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00499|journal=The Encyclopedia of Ancient History|pages=1–4|doi=10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00499|isbn=978-1-119-39991-9|s2cid=240189630|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328171504/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781119399919.eahaa00499|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pallavas were noted for their patronage of architecture: the massive [[gopuram]], ornate towers at the entrance of temples, originated with the [[Pallava art and architecture|Pallava architecture]]. They built the group of [[Rock cut|rock-cut]] monuments in [[Mahabalipuram]] and temples in [[Kanchipuram]].<ref name="UNC"/> Throughout their reign, the Pallavas remained in constant conflict with the Cholas and Pandyas. The Pandyas were revived by [[Kadungon]] towards the end of the 6th century CE and with the Cholas in obscurity in [[Uraiyur]], the Tamil country was divided between the Pallavas and the Pandyas.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Pandya dynasty|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pandya-dynasty|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005225758/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pandya-dynasty/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Aparajitavarman|Pallavas]] were finally defeated by Chola prince [[Aditya I]] in the 9th century CE.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Pallavas|first=Gabriel|last=Jouveau-Dubreuil|journal=Asian Educational Services|year=1995|page=83}}</ref>


==== Chola Empire ====
{{Main|Chola dynasty}}
[[File:Rajendra map new.svg|thumb|upright=0.9|right|The [[Chola Empire]] at its greatest extent, during the reign of [[Rajendra Chola I]] in 1030]]
[[File:Rajendra map new.svg|thumb|upright=0.9|right|The [[Chola Empire]] at its greatest extent, during the reign of [[Rajendra Chola I]] in 1030]]
During the 9th century, the Chola dynasty was once again revived by [[Vijayalaya Chola]], who established [[Thanjavur]] as Chola's new capital by conquering central Tamil Nadu from [[Mutharaiyar]] and the Pandya king [[Varagunavarman II]]. [[Aditya I]] and his son [[Parantaka I]] expanded the kingdom to the northern parts of Tamil Nadu by defeating the last Pallava king, [[Aparajitavarman]]. [[Parantaka Chola II]] expanded the Chola empire into what is now interior Andhra Pradesh and coastal Karnataka, while under the great [[Rajaraja Chola]] and his son [[Rajendra Chola]], the Cholas rose to a notable power in south east Asia. Now the [[Chola Empire]] stretched as far as [[Bengal]] and Sri Lanka. At its peak, the empire spanned almost {{convert|3600000|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}}. Rajaraja Chola conquered all of peninsular [[south India]] and parts of Sri Lanka. [[Rajendra Chola]]'s navy went even further, occupying coasts from Burma (now ) to Vietnam, the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], Lakshadweep, [[Sumatra]], [[Java]], [[Malay Peninsula|Malaya]], Philippines<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tamilculturewaterloo.org/tamillanguage.htm |title=Tamil Cultural Association&nbsp;– Tamil Language |publisher=Tamilculturewaterloo.org |accessdate=23 September 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413062503/http://tamilculturewaterloo.org/tamillanguage.htm |archivedate=13 April 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> in South East Asia and Pegu islands. He defeated [[Mahipala]], the king of Bengal, and to commemorate his victory he built a new capital and named it [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]].


The Cholas became the dominant kingdom in the 9th century under [[Vijayalaya Chola]], who established [[Thanjavur]] as Chola's new capital with further expansions by subsequent rulers. In the 11th century CE, [[Rajaraja I]] expanded the Chola empire with conquests of entire Southern India and parts of present-day [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Maldives]], and increased Chola influence across the [[Indian Ocean]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Coins of the Cholas|publisher=Numismatic Society of India|first=Charles Hubert|last=Biddulph|year=1964|page=34}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Atlas of the year 1000|publisher=Harvard University Press|author=John Man|year=1999|page=104|isbn=978-0-674-54187-0}}</ref> Rajaraja brought in administrative reforms including the reorganisation of Tamil country into individual administrative units.<ref>{{cite book|title=From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|first=Upinder|last=Singh|year=2008|isbn=978-8-131-71120-0|publisher=Pearson Education|page=590}}</ref> Under his son [[Rajendra Chola I]], the Chola empire reached its zenith and stretched as far as [[Bengal]] in the north and across the Indian Ocean.<ref>{{cite book|last=Thapar|first=Romila|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gyiqZKDlSBMC|title=The Penguin History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300|publisher=Penguin Books|year=2003|isbn=978-0-143-02989-2|location=New Delhi|pages=364–365|language=|orig-year=2002|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328171526/https://books.google.com/books?id=gyiqZKDlSBMC|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cholas built many temples in the [[Dravidian architecture|Dravidian]] style with the most notable being the [[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|Brihadisvara Temple]] at Thanjavur, one of the foremost temples of the era built by Rajaraja, and [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], built by Rajendra.<ref name="Great Living Chola Temples">{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250/|title=Great Living Chola Temples|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=12 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912082313/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Cholas were prolific temple builders right from the times of the first medieval king [[Vijayalaya Chola]]. These are the earliest specimen of Dravidian temples under the Cholas. His son Aditya I built several temples around the Kanchi and Kumbakonam regions. The Cholas went on to becoming a great power and built some of the most imposing religious structures in their lifetime and they also renovated temples and buildings of the [[Pallavas]], acknowledging their common socio-religious and cultural heritage. The celebrated [[Nataraja]] temple at [[Chidambaram]] and the [[Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam|Sri Ranganathaswami Temple]] at [[Srirangam]] held special significance for the [[Cholas]] which have been mentioned in their inscriptions as their tutelary deities. [[Rajaraja Chola I]] and his son [[Rajendra Chola]] built temples such as the [[Brihadeshvara Temple]] of [[Thanjavur]] and [[Brihadeshvara Temple]] of [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], the [[Airavatesvara Temple]] of [[Darasuram]] and the [[Sarabeswara]] (Shiva) Temple, also called the Kampahareswarar Temple at [[Thirubuvanam|Thirubhuvanam]], the last two temples being located near Kumbakonam. The first three of the above four temples are titled [[Great Living Chola Temples]] among the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Sites]].
{{multiple image | align= left | direction= horizontal | footer= Architecture from Chola period From left to right: [[Airavatesvara Temple]] at Darasuram; [[Natarajan]], Shiva as celestial dancer; and Parvathi, the consort of Shiva| footer_align= centre | image1= Horse drawn chariot Darasuram.jpg | width1= {{#expr: (175 * 800 / 599) round 0}} | image2= Shiva as the Lord of Dance LACMA edit.jpg | width2= {{#expr: (175 * 467 / 600) round 0}} | image3= Cholacrop.jpg | width3= {{#expr: (175 * 374 / 599) round 0}}}}


The Pandyas again reigned supreme early in the 13th century under [[Maravarman Sundara Pandyan|Maravarman Sundara I]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Aiyangar|first=Sakkottai Krishnaswami|title=South India and her Muhammadan Invaders|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1921|place=Chennai|page=44}}</ref> They ruled from their capital of [[Madurai]] and expanded trade links with other maritime empires.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sen|first=Sailendra Nath|title=Ancient Indian History and Civilization|date=1999|publisher=New Age International|isbn=978-8-122-41198-0|pages=458|language=en}}</ref> During the 13th century, [[Marco Polo]] mentioned the Pandyas as the richest empire in existence. The Pandyas also built a number of temples including the [[Meenakshi Amman Temple]] at Madurai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meenaskshi-Amman-Temple|title=Meenakshi Amman Temple|date=30 November 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Britannica]]|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223062718/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meenaskshi-Amman-Temple|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Vijayanagar and Nayak period (1336–1646) ===
{{Main|Vijayanagara Empire}}
[[File:Tirumalai Nayak.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal]] at [[Madurai]]]]
The Muslim invasions of southern India triggered the establishment of the [[Hindu]] [[Vijayanagara Empire]] with [[Vijayanagara]] in modern Karnataka as its capital. The Vijayanagara empire eventually conquered the entire Tamil country by c. 1370 and ruled for almost two centuries until its defeat in the [[Battle of Talikota]] in 1565 by a confederacy of [[Deccan sultanates]]. Subsequently, as the Vijayanagara Empire went into decline after the mid-16th century, many local rulers, called [[Nayak dynasty|Nayaks]], succeeded in gaining the trappings of independence. This eventually resulted in the further weakening of the empire; many Nayaks declared themselves independent, among whom the [[Nayaks of Madurai]] and Tanjore were the first to declare their independence, despite initially maintaining loose links with the Vijayanagara kingdom.{{sfn|Sastri|1970|pp=18–182}} The Nayaks of Madurai and [[Nayaks of Thanjavur]] were the most prominent of Nayaks in the 17th century. They reconstructed some of the well-known temples in Tamil Nadu such as the [[Meenakshi Temple]].


=== Power struggles of the 18th century (1688–1802) ===
=== Vijayanagar and Nayak period (14th–17th century CE) ===
In the 13th and 14th centuries, there were repeated attacks from [[Delhi Sultanate]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Cynthia Talbot|title=Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pfAKljlCJq0C&pg=PA281|year=2001|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-198-03123-9|pages=281–282}}</ref> The [[Vijayanagara empire|Vijayanagara kingdom]] was founded in {{CE|1336}}.<ref>{{cite book|first1=David|last1=Gilmartin|first2=Bruce B.|last2=Lawrence|title=Beyond Turk and Hindu: Rethinking Religious Identities in Islamicate South Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ZhT5Ilq5kAC&pg=PA321|year=2000|publisher=University Press of Florida|isbn=978-0-813-03099-9|pages=300–306, 321–322}}</ref> The Vijayanagara empire eventually conquered the entire Tamil country by {{circa|1370}} and ruled for almost two centuries until its defeat in the [[Battle of Talikota]] in 1565 by a confederacy of [[Deccan sultanates]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Kanhaiya L|last=Srivastava|title=The position of Hindus under the Delhi Sultanate, 1206–1526|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cMgAAAAMAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal|page=202|isbn=978-8-121-50224-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|doi=10.1017/CHOL9780521254847.006|chapter=Rama Raya (1484–1565): élite mobility in a Persianized world|title=A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761|year=2005|pages=78–104|isbn=978-0-521-25484-7}}</ref>
By the early 18th century, the political scene in Tamil Nadu saw a major change-over and was under the control of many minor rulers aspiring to be independent. The fall of the Vijayanagara empire and the Chandragiri Nayakas gave the [[sultanate of Golconda]] a chance to expand into the Tamil heartland. When the sultanate was incorporated into the Mughal Empire in 1688, the northern part of current-day Tamil Nadu was administrated by the [[nawab of the Carnatic]], who had his seat in [[Arcot]] from 1715 onward. Meanwhile, to the south, the fall of the [[Thanjavur Nayaks]] led to a short-lived [[Thanjavur Maratha kingdom]]. The fall of the [[Madurai Nayaks]] brought up many small Nayakars of southern Tamil Nadu, who ruled small parcels of land called palayams. The chieftains of these Palayams were known as [[Palaiyakkarar]] (or 'polygar' as called by British) and were ruling under the nawabs of the Carnatic.
Later, the [[Nayak dynasty|Nayaks]], who were the military governors in the Vijaynagara Empire, took control of the region amongst whom the [[Nayaks of Madurai]] and [[Nayaks of Thanjavur]] were the most prominent.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Eugene F. Irschick]]|title=Politics and Social Conflict in South India|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|year=1969|page=8|isbn=978-0-520-00596-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Balendu Sekaram|first=Kandavalli|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/4910527|title=The Nayaks of Madurai|date=1975|publisher=Andhra Pradesh Sahithya Akademi|location=Hyderabad|language=English|oclc=4910527|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328171506/https://search.worldcat.org/title/4910527|url-status=live}}</ref> They introduced the [[Polygar|palayakkararar]] system and re-constructed some of the well-known temples in Tamil Nadu including the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bayly|first=Susan|title=Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700–1900|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-521-89103-5|edition=Reprinted|page=48}}</ref>


=== Later conflicts and European colonization (17th to 20th century CE) ===
[[File:Fort Dansborg.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Fort Dansborg]] at [[Tharangambadi]] built by the [[Danes|Danish]]]]
In the 18th century, the [[Mughal empire]] administered the region through the [[Nawab of the Carnatic]] with his seat at [[Arcot]], who defeated the Madurai Nayaks.<ref>{{cite book|last=Naravane|first=M.S.|title=Battles of the Honourable East India Company|publisher=A.P.H. Publishing Corporation|year=2014|isbn=978-8-131-30034-3|pages=151, 154–158}}</ref> The [[Maratha kingdom|Marathas]] [[Siege of Trichinopoly (1741)|attacked]] several times and defeated the Nawab after the [[Siege of Trichinopoly (1751–1752)]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Ramaswami|first=N. S.|title=Political history of Carnatic under the Nawabs|publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=1984|isbn= 978-0-836-41262-8|pages=43–79}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Tony Jaques|title=Dictionary of Battles and Sieges: F-O|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dh6jydKXikoC|year=2007|publisher=Greenwood|isbn=978-0-313-33538-9|pages=1034–1035|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116054856/https://books.google.com/books?id=Dh6jydKXikoC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Subramanian|first=K. R.|title=The Maratha Rajas of Tanjore|year=1928|publisher=K. R. Subramanian|place=Madras|pages=52–53}}</ref> This led to a short-lived [[Thanjavur Maratha kingdom]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Contributions of Thanjavur Maratha Kings|first=Pratap Sinh Serfoji Raje|last=Bhosle|year=2017|isbn=978-1-948-23095-7|publisher=Notion press|page=3}}</ref>
Europeans started to establish trade centres during the 17th century in the eastern coastal regions. Around 1609, the Dutch established a settlement in [[Pulicat]],<ref>''Bethencourt'' p.211</ref> while the Danes had their establishment in [[Tharangambadi]] also known as Tranquebar.<ref name="Frontline">{{cite news |title=Danish flavour |url=http://www.frontline.in/enwiki/static/html/fl2622/stories/20091106262211800.htm |accessdate=5 August 2013 |newspaper=Frontline |date=6 November 2009 |location=India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060423/http://www.frontline.in/enwiki/static/html/fl2622/stories/20091106262211800.htm |archive-date=21 September 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 1639, the British, under the East India Company, established a settlement further south of Pulicat, in present-day [[Chennai]]. British constructed [[Fort St. George]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Wagret |first=Paul |title=Nagel's encyclopedia-guide |publisher=Nagel Publishers |location=Geneva |year=1977 |series="India, Nepal" |page=556 |isbn=978-2-8263-0023-6 |oclc=4202160}}</ref> and established a trading post at Madras.<ref name="Roberts.J.M">{{cite book |title=A short history of the world |url=https://books.google.com/?id=3QZXvUhGwhAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=History+of+the+World#v=onepage&q=St%20George&f=false |publisher=Helicon publishing Ltd. |page=277 |year=1997 |author=Roberts J. M |isbn=978-0-19-511504-8 |accessdate=28 December 2012}}</ref> The office of [[List of mayors of Chennai|mayoralty of Madras]] was established in 1688. The French established trading posts at [[Pondichéry]] by 1693. The British and French were competing to expand the trade in the northern parts of Tamil Nadu which also witnessed many battles like [[Battle of Wandiwash]] as part of the [[Seven Years' War]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historynet.com/seven-years-war-battle-of-wandiwash.htm |title=Seven Years' War: Battle of Wandiwash |work=History Net: Where History Comes Alive – World & US History Online |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102613/http://www.historynet.com/seven-years-war-battle-of-wandiwash.htm |archive-date=18 May 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> British reduced the French dominions in India to Puducherry. Nawabs of the Carnatic bestowed tax revenue collection rights on the East India Company for defeating the [[Kingdom of Mysore]]. Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah surrendered much of his territory to the East India Company which firmly established the British in the northern parts. In 1762, a tripartite treaty was signed between Thanjavur Maratha, Carnatic and the British by which Thanjavur became a vassal of the Nawab of the Carnatic which eventually ceded to British.


[[File:Fort Dansborg.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Fort Dansborg]] at [[Tharangambadi]], built by the [[Danes]]]]
In the south, Nawabs granted taxation rights to the British which led to conflicts between British and the Palaiyakkarar, which resulted in series of wars called [[Polygar war]] to establish independent states by the aspiring Palaiyakkarar. [[Puli Thevar]] was one of the earliest opponents of the British rule in South India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.museumstuff.com/learn/topics/Puli_Thevan |title=Puli Thevan : Define, Explore, Discuss |publisher=Museumstuff.com |date= |accessdate=2012-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095023/http://www.museumstuff.com/learn/topics/Puli_Thevan |archive-date=18 May 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Thevar's prominent exploits were his confrontations with [[Marudhanayagam Pillai|Marudhanayagam]], who later rebelled against the British in the late 1750s and early 1760s. [[Rani Velu Nachiyar]], was the first woman freedom fighter of India and Queen of Sivagangai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=108691 |title=PIB English Features |work=pib.nic.in |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100018/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=108691 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> She was drawn to war after her husband Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar (1750–1772), King of [[Sivaganga]] was murdered at [[Kalayar Kovil]] temple by British. Before her death, Queen Velu Nachi granted powers to the [[Maruthu brothers]] to rule Sivaganga.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sivaganga.tn.nic.in/maruthu.htm |title=index |work=tn.nic.in |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130050319/http://www.sivaganga.tn.nic.in/maruthu.htm |archivedate=30 January 2012}}</ref> [[Kattabomman]] (1760–1799), Palaiyakkara chief of Panchalakurichi who fought the British in the First [[Polygar War]].<ref name=Anand>{{cite web |last=Yang |first=Anand A |title=Bandits and Kings:Moral Authority and Resistance in Early Colonial India |doi=10.1017/S0021911807001234 |jstor=20203235 |publisher=The Journal of Asian Studies |accessdate=6 November 2012}}</ref> He was captured by the British at the end of the war and hanged near Kayattar in 1799. [[Veeran Sundaralingam]] (1700–1800) was the General of Kattabomman Nayakan's palayam, who died in the process of blowing up a British ammunition dump in 1799 which killed more than 150 British soldiers to save Kattapomman Palace. [[Oomaithurai]], younger brother of Kattabomman, took asylum under the [[Maruthu brothers]], Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu and raised an army<ref>{{cite book |last=[[Robert Caldwell]] |title=A Political and General History of the District of Tinnevelly, in the Presidency of Madras |publisher=E. Keys, at the Government Press |date=1881 |url=https://archive.org/details/apoliticalandge00caldgoog |pages=195–222 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005214205/https://archive.org/details/apoliticalandge00caldgoog |archive-date=5 October 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{Refend}}. They formed a coalition with [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]] and Kerala Varma [[Pazhassi Raja]] which fought the British in Second Polygar Wars. [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]] (1756–1805), Polygar chieftain of Kongu and feudatory of Tipu Sultan who fought the British in the Second Polygar War. After winning the Polygar wars in 1801, the East India Company consolidated most of southern India into the [[Madras Presidency]].


Europeans started to establish trade centres from the 16th century along the eastern coast. The [[Kingdom of Portugal|Portuguese]] arrived in 1522 and built a port named [[São Tomé de Meliapore|São Tomé]] near present-day [[Mylapore]] in Madras.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iias.asia/the-newsletter/article/rhythms-portuguese-presence-bay-bengal|title=Rhythms of the Portuguese presence in the Bay of Bengal|publisher=Indian Institute of Asian Studies|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207042633/https://www.iias.asia/the-newsletter/article/rhythms-portuguese-presence-bay-bengal|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1609, the [[Dutch people|Dutch]] established a settlement in [[Pulicat]] and the [[Danes]] had their establishment in [[Tharangambadi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/origin-and-growth/|title=Origin of the Name Madras|work=Corporation of Madras|access-date=25 January 2023|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406202458/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/origin-and-growth/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Danish flavour|url=http://www.frontline.in/enwiki/static/html/fl2622/stories/20091106262211800.htm|access-date=5 August 2013|newspaper=Frontline|date=6 November 2009|location=India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060423/http://www.frontline.in/enwiki/static/html/fl2622/stories/20091106262211800.htm|archive-date=21 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 August 1639, Francis Day of the [[British East India Company]] met with the Vijayanager emperor [[Peda Venkata Raya]] and obtained a grant for land on the Coromandel coast for their trading activities.<ref>{{cite book|title=Symbols of substance : court and state in Nayaka period Tamilnadu|publisher=Oxford University Press, Delhi|year=1998|first1=Velcheru Narayana|last1=Rao|first2=David|last2=Shulman|first3=Sanjay|last3=Subrahmanyam|isbn=978-0-195-64399-2|page=xix, 349 p., [16] p. of plates : ill., maps; 22&nbsp;cm}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3HCbDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA583|title=Facets of Contemporary history|last1=Thilakavathy|first1=M.|last2=Maya|first2=R. K.|date=5 June 2019|publisher=MJP Publisher|pages=583|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082111/https://books.google.com/books?id=3HCbDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA583#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mXgSDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA180|title=Christianity in India: From Beginnings to the Present|last=Frykenberg|first=Robert Eric|date=26 June 2008|publisher=OUP Oxford|isbn=978-0-198-26377-7|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082100/https://books.google.com/books?id=mXgSDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA180#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> A year later, the company built [[Fort St. George]], the first major English settlement in India, which became the nucleus of the [[British Raj]] in the region.<ref>{{cite book|title=A short history of the world|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3QZXvUhGwhAC|publisher=Helicon publishing Ltd.|page=277|year=1997|author=Roberts J. M.|isbn=978-0-195-11504-8|access-date=11 August 2020|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603081944/https://books.google.com/books?id=3QZXvUhGwhAC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Wagret|first=Paul|title=Nagel's encyclopedia-guide|publisher=Nagel Publishers|location=Geneva|year=1977|series=India, Nepal|page=556|isbn=978-2-826-30023-6|oclc=4202160}}</ref> By 1693, the [[French people|French]] established trading posts at [[Pondicherry|Pondichéry]]. In September 1746, the French captured Madras during the [[Battle of Madras]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Keay |first= John |title=The Honourable Company: A History of the English East India Company |publisher=Harper Collins|year=1993|pages=31–36}}</ref> The British regained control of Madras in 1749 through the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]] and resisted a [[Siege of Madras|French siege attempt]] in 1759.<ref>{{cite news|title=Madras Miscellany: When Pondy was wasted|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/Madras-Miscellany-When-Pondy-was-wasted/article15719768.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 November 2010|last=S.|first=Muthiah|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501074741/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/Madras-Miscellany-When-Pondy-was-wasted/article15719768.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=A global chronology of conflict|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_tSnygvbIC&pg=PA756|publisher=ABC—CLIO|page=756|year=2010|first=Spencer C.|last=Tucker|isbn=978-1-851-09667-1|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082105/https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_tSnygvbIC&pg=PA756|url-status=live}}</ref> The British and French competed to expand the trade which led to [[Battle of Wandiwash]] in 1760 as part of the [[Seven Years' War]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historynet.com/seven-years-war-battle-of-wandiwash.htm|title=Seven Years' War: Battle of Wandiwash|work=History Net: Where History Comes Alive – World & US History Online|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102613/http://www.historynet.com/seven-years-war-battle-of-wandiwash.htm|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live|date=21 August 2006}}</ref> The Nawabs of the Carnatic surrendered much of their territory to the British East India Company in the north and bestowed tax revenue collection rights in the South, which led to constant conflicts with the Palaiyakkarars known as the [[Polygar Wars]]. [[Puli Thevar]] was one of the earliest opponents, joined later by [[Rani Velu Nachiyar]] of [[Sivagangai]] and [[Kattabomman]] of Panchalakurichi in the first series of Polygar wars.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108691|title=Velu Nachiyar, India's Joan of Arc|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 January 2024|archive-date=27 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727120955/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108691|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Yang|first=Anand A|title=Bandits and Kings:Moral Authority and Resistance in Early Colonial India|doi=10.1017/S0021911807001234|jstor=20203235|journal=The Journal of Asian Studies|volume=66|issue=4|pages=881–896|year=2007 | issn = 0021-9118 }}</ref> The [[Maruthu brothers]] along with [[Oomaithurai]], the brother of Kattabomman, formed a coalition with [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]] and Kerala Varma [[Pazhassi Raja]], which fought the British in the Second Polygar War.<ref>{{cite book|last=Caldwell|first=Robert|title=A Political and General History of the District of Tinnevelly, in the Presidency of Madras|publisher=Government Press|date=1881|pages=195–222}}</ref> In the later 18th century, the [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore kingdom]] captured parts of the region and engaged in constant fighting with the British which culminated in the four [[Anglo-Mysore War]]s.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of Modern India:1707 A.D. to 2000 A.D|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MS_jrForJOoC&pg=PA94|publisher=Atlantic Publishers and Distributors|page=94|year=2002|author=Radhey Shyam Chaurasia|isbn=978-8-126-90085-5|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082104/https://books.google.com/books?id=MS_jrForJOoC&pg=PA94#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Andal Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Srivilliputhur Andal Temple]] [[Gopuram]] has been adopted as the official [[Seal of Tamil Nadu]]]]


[[File:Fort St. George, Chennai.jpg|left|thumb|An 18th-century coloured [[engraving]] of [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St. George]] and Madras]]
=== Princely state of Pudhukottai (1680–1948 CE) ===


By the 18th century, the British had conquered most of the region and established the [[Madras Presidency]] with Madras as the capital.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Madras-Presidency|title=Madras Presidency|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017071545/https://www.britannica.com/place/Madras-Presidency|url-status=live}}</ref> After the defeat of Mysore in the [[Fourth Anglo-Mysore War]] in 1799 and the British victory in the second Polygar war in 1801, the British consolidated most of southern India into what was later known as the [[Madras Presidency]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Naravane|first=M. S.|title=Battles of the Honourable East India Company: Making of the Raj|place=New Delhi|publisher=A.P.H. Publishing Corporation|year=2014|isbn=978-8-131-30034-3|pages=172–181}}</ref> On 10 July 1806, the [[Vellore mutiny]], which was the first instance of a large-scale mutiny by Indian sepoys against the British East India Company, took place in [[Vellore Fort]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/july-1806-vellore/231918|title=July, 1806 Vellore|date=17 July 2006|work=Outlook|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023012/http://www.outlookindia.com/article/july-1806-vellore/231918|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/624875/Vellore-Mutiny|first=Kenneth|last=Pletcher|title=Vellore Mutiny|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501053701/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/624875/Vellore-Mutiny|archive-date=1 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]], the [[British Parliament]] passed the [[Government of India Act 1858]], which transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British crown, forming the [[British Raj]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Adcock|first=C.S.|title=The Limits of Tolerance: Indian Secularism and the Politics of Religious Freedom|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DvMVDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA23|pages=23–25|year=2013|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-199-99543-1}}</ref>
The Pudhukkottai Thondaimans rose to power by the end of 17th Century. The Thondaimans of Pudhukkottai came to rule with full Sovereignity over the Pudhukkottai area, Pudukkottai Kingdom has the distinction of being the only Princely State in Tamil Nadu, became part of the Indian Union in 1948 only after Independence.


Failure of the summer monsoons and administrative shortcomings of the [[Ryotwari]] system resulted in two severe famines in the Madras Presidency, the [[Great Famine of 1876–78]] and the [[Indian famine of 1896–97]] which killed millions and the migration of many Tamils as bonded laborers to other British countries eventually forming the present [[Tamil diaspora]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-great-famine-of-madras-and-the-men-who-made-it/article5045883.ece|title=The great famine of Madras and the men who made it|first=B.|last=Kolappan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 August 2013|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509042855/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-great-famine-of-madras-and-the-men-who-made-it/article5045883.ece|url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Indian Independence movement]] gathered momentum in the early 20th century with the formation of the [[Indian National Congress]], which was based on an idea propagated by the members of the [[Theosophical Society]] movement after a Theosophical convention held in Madras in December 1884.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sitaramayya|first=Pattabhi|year=1935|title=The History of the Indian National Congress|publisher=Working Committee of the Congress|page=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/73b4862g?display=all|title=Theosophy and the Origins of the Indian National Congress|last=Bevir|first=Mark|journal=International Journal of Hindu Studies|publisher=University of California|year=2003|volume=7|issue=1–3|pages=14–18|doi=10.1007/s11407-003-0005-4|s2cid=54542458|quote="Theosophical Society provided the framework for action within which some of its Indian and British members worked to form the Indian National Congress."|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630205548/http://escholarship.org/uc/item/73b4862g?display=all|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu was the base of various contributors to the Independence movement including [[V. O. Chidambaram Pillai]], [[Subramaniya Siva]] and [[Subramania Bharati|Bharatiyar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/subramania-bharati-the-poet-and-the-patriot/article37912151.ece|title=Subramania Bharati: The poet and the patriot|date=9 December 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614110344/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/subramania-bharati-the-poet-and-the-patriot/article37912151.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The Tamils formed a significant percentage of the members of the [[Indian National Army]] (INA), founded by [[Subhas Chandra Bose]].<ref>{{cite news|date=7 November 2023|title=An inspiring saga of the Tamil diaspora's contribution to India's freedom struggle|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-inspiring-saga-of-the-tamil-diasporas-contribution-to-indias-freedom-struggle/article67510190.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=15 November 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152818/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-inspiring-saga-of-the-tamil-diasporas-contribution-to-indias-freedom-struggle/article67510190.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== British Colonial period (1801–1947 CE) ===
{{Main|Madras Presidency}}
At the beginning of the 19th century, the British firmly established governance over entirety of Tamil Nadu. The [[Vellore mutiny]] on 10 July 1806 was the first instance of a large-scale mutiny by Indian sepoys against the British [[East India Company]], predating the Indian Rebellion of 1857 by half a century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/july-10-1806-the-vellore-mutiny-breaks-out-against-the-british |title=July 10, 1806 – The Vellore Mutiny Breaks out Against the British |work=mapsofindia.com |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041855/http://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/july-10-1806-the-vellore-mutiny-breaks-out-against-the-british |archive-date=16 October 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The revolt, which took place in [[Vellore]], was brief, lasting one full day, but brutal as mutineers broke into the Vellore fort and killed or wounded 200 British troops, before they were subdued by reinforcements from nearby Arcot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/july-1806-vellore/231918 |title=July, 1806 Vellore – S. Anand – Jul 17,2006 |work=outlookindia.com |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023012/http://www.outlookindia.com/article/july-1806-vellore/231918 |archive-date=4 September 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/624875/Vellore-Mutiny |title=Vellore Mutiny |work=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501053701/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/624875/Vellore-Mutiny |archive-date=1 May 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The British crown took over the control governance from the Company and the remainder of the 19th century did not witness any native resistance until the beginning of 20th century Indian Independence movements. During the administration of Governor [[George Harris, 3rd Baron Harris|George Harris]](1854–1859) measures were taken to improve education and increase representation of Indians in the administration. Legislative powers given to the Governor's council under the Indian Councils Act 1861 and 1909 [[Minto-Morley Reforms]] eventually led to the establishment of the [[Madras Legislative Council]]. Failure of the summer monsoons and administrative shortcomings of the [[Ryotwari]] system resulted in two severe famines in the Madras Presidency, the [[Great Famine of 1876–78]] and the [[Indian famine of 1896–97]]. The famine led to migration of people as bonded labours for British to various countries which eventually formed the present [[Tamil diaspora]].


=== Post-Independence (1947–present) ===
=== Post-Independence (1947–present) ===
After the [[Independence of India]] in 1947, the Madras Presidency became [[Madras State|Madras state]], comprising present-day Tamil Nadu and parts of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. [[Andhra state]] was split from the state in 1953 and the state was further re-organized when states were redrawn linguistically in [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|1956]] into the current shape.<ref>{{cite act|url=https://lddashboard.legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1953-30_0.pdf|title=Andhra State Act, 1953|date=14 September 1953|legislature=[[Madras Legislative Assembly]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite act|url=https://interstatecouncil.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/states_reorganisation_act.pdf|title=States Reorganisation Act, 1956|date=14 September 1953|legislature=[[Parliament of India]]|access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref> On 14 January 1969, Madras state was renamed Tamil Nadu, meaning "Tamil country".<ref>{{cite news |date=6 July 2023 |title=Tracing the demand to rename Madras State as Tamil Nadu |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tracing-the-demand-to-rename-madras-state-as-tamil-nadu/article66347708.ece |access-date=1 December 2023 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228032145/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tracing-the-demand-to-rename-madras-state-as-tamil-nadu/article66347708.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Sundari|first1=S.|year=2007|title=Migrant women and urban labour market: concepts and case studies|page=105|publisher=Deep & Deep Publications|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uMlVGtjbcSIC&q=madras+state+became+Tamilnadu&pg=PA105|isbn=978-8-176-29966-4|access-date=20 October 2020|archive-date=22 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822035218/https://books.google.com/books?id=uMlVGtjbcSIC&q=madras+state+became+Tamilnadu&pg=PA105|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1965, [[Anti-Hindi agitations|agitations]] against the [[imposition of Hindi]] and in support of continuing English as a medium of communication arose which eventually led to English being retained as an official language of India alongside Hindi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai says it in Hindi|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/chennai-says-it-in-hindi/|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=14 August 2011|author=V. Shoba|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430174614/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/chennai-says-it-in-hindi/|url-status=live}}</ref> After independence, the economy of Tamil Nadu conformed to a [[socialism|socialist]] framework, with strict governmental control over [[private sector]] participation, [[foreign trade]], and [[foreign direct investment]]. After experiencing fluctuations in the decades immediately after Indian independence, the economy of Tamil Nadu consistently exceeded national average growth rates from the 1970s, due to [[Economic reforms in India|reform-oriented]] economic policies.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.icrier.org/pdf/wp144.pdf|title=Economic Growth in Indian States|publisher=Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations|first=K.L.|last=Krishna|date=September 2004|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924032647/http://www.icrier.org/pdf/wp144.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2000s, the state has become one of the most urbanized states in the country with a higher [[List of Indian states and union territories by Human Development Index|Human Development Index]] compared to national average.<ref name="DG"/>
When India became independent in 1947, Madras presidency became [[Madras state]], comprising present-day Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh up to Ganjam district in Odisha, South Canara district Karnataka, and parts of Kerala. The state was subsequently split up along linguistic lines. In 1969, Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu, meaning "Tamil country".<ref>{{cite book |title=Migrant women and urban labour market: concepts and case studies |page=105 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=uMlVGtjbcSIC&pg=PA105&dq=madras+state+became+Tamilnadu#v=onepage&q=madras%20state%20became%20Tamilnadu&f=false|isbn=9788176299664 |last1=Sundari |first1=Dr. S. |year=2007 }}</ref>


== Geography ==
== Environment ==
=== Geography ===
{{Main|Geography of Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Tamil Nadu topo deutsch mit Gebirgen.png|thumb|upright=0.9|Topographic map of Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:Tamil Nadu topo deutsch mit Gebirgen.png|thumb|upright=0.9|Topographic map of Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Western Ghats]] traverse along the western border of Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Western Ghats]] traverse along the western border of Tamil Nadu]]
Tamil Nadu covers an area of {{convert|130058|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}}, and is the eleventh largest state in India. The bordering states are [[Kerala]] to the west, [[Karnataka]] to the north west and [[Andhra Pradesh]] to the north. To the east is the [[Bay of Bengal]] and the state encircles the [[union territory]] of [[Puducherry]]. The southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula is [[Kanyakumari (town)|Kanyakumari]] which is the meeting point of the [[Arabian Sea]], the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.


Tamil Nadu covers an area of {{convert|130058|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} and is the tenth-largest state in India.<ref name="DG"/> Located on the south-eastern coast of the [[Indian peninsula]], Tamil Nadu is straddled by the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Deccan Plateau]] in the west, the [[Eastern Ghats]] in the north, the [[Eastern Coastal Plains]] lining the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the east, the [[Gulf of Mannar]] and the [[Palk Strait]] to the south-east, and the [[Laccadive Sea]] at the southern [[Cape (geography)|cape]] of the peninsula.<ref>{{cite book|title=Chambers's Concise Gazetteer of the World|page=353|year=1907|publisher=W.& R.Chambers|first=David|last=Patrick}}</ref> Politically, Tamil Nadu is bound by the Indian states of [[Kerala]], [[Karnataka]], and [[Andhra Pradesh]], and the [[union territory]] of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. It shares an international [[maritime border]] with the [[Northern Province, Sri Lanka|Northern Province]] of [[Sri Lanka]] at [[Pamban Island]]. The [[Palk Strait]] and the chain of low sandbars and islands known as [[Rama's Bridge]] separate the region from [[Sri Lanka]], which lies off the southeastern coast.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Adam's bridge|url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9003680|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|year=2007|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=13 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113002452/http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9003680|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/srilanka.pdf|title=Map of Sri Lanka with Palk Strait and Palk Bay|publisher=UN|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117132426/http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/profile/srilanka.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The southernmost tip of mainland India is at [[Kanyakumari (town)|Kanyakumari]] where the Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/tamil-nadu/kanyakumari-cape-comorin|title=Kanyakumari alias Cape Comorin|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=3 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103130726/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/tamil-nadu/kanyakumari-cape-comorin|url-status=live}}</ref>
The western, southern and the north western parts are hilly and rich in vegetation. The [[Western Ghats]] and the [[Eastern Ghats]] meet at the [[Nilgiri hills]]. The Western Ghats traverse the entire western border with Kerala, effectively blocking much of the rain bearing clouds of the south west monsoon from entering the state. The eastern parts are fertile coastal plains and the northern parts are a mix of hills and plains. The central and the south central regions are arid plains and receive less rainfall than the other regions.


The Western Ghats run south along the western boundary with the highest peak at [[Doddabetta]] ({{convert|2636|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}) in the [[Nilgiri Hills]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v403/n6772/fig_tab/403853a0_T6.html|title=Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities|journal=Nature|year=2000|doi=10.1038/35002501|access-date=16 November 2013|last1=Myers|first1=Norman|last2=Mittermeier|first2=Russell A.|last3=Mittermeier|first3=Cristina G.|last4=Da Fonseca|first4=Gustavo A. B.|last5=Kent|first5=Jennifer|volume=403|issue=6772|pages=853–858|pmid=10706275|bibcode=2000Natur.403..853M|s2cid=4414279|archive-date=9 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009072333/http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v403/n6772/fig_tab/403853a0_T6.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58540809|title=Southern India: its history, people, commerce, and industrial resources|last1=Playne|first1=Somerset|last2=Bond|first2=J. W|last3=Wright|first3=Arnold|year=2004|publisher=Asian Educational Service|oclc=58540809|access-date=30 August 2023|page=417|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152850/https://search.worldcat.org/title/58540809|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Eastern Ghats]] run parallel to the Bay of Bengal along the eastern coast and the strip of land between them forms the [[Coromandel Coast|Coromandel]] region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Eastern-Ghats|title=Eastern Ghats|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=2 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702092046/https://www.britannica.com/place/Eastern-Ghats|url-status=live}}</ref> They are a discontinuous range of mountains intersected by [[Kaveri River|Kaveri river]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of the World's Biomes|year=2020|isbn=978-0-128-16097-8|publisher=Elsevier Science|first1=Dominick A.|last1=DellaSala|first2=Michael I.|last2=Goldstei|page=546|location=Amsterdam}}</ref> Both mountain ranges meet at the [[Nilgiris (mountains)|Nilgiri]] mountains which run in a crescent approximately along the borders of Tamil Nadu with northern Kerala and Karnataka, extending to the relatively low-lying hills of the Eastern Ghats on the western portion of the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border.<ref>{{cite book|last=Eagan|first=J. S. C|title=The Nilgiri Guide And Directory|url=https://archive.org/details/nilgiriguideandd031416mbp|publisher=S.P.C.K. Press|location=Chennai|isbn=978-1-149-48220-9|year=1916|page=30}}</ref> The [[Deccan plateau]] is the elevated region bound by the mountain ranges and the plateau slopes gently from west to east resulting in major rivers arising in the Western Ghats and flowing east into the Bay of Bengal.<ref>{{cite book|title=Indian Journal of Earth Sciences|publisher=Indian Journal of Earth Sciences|first=Mihir|last=Bose|year=1977|page=21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://era-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ERA-East-Deccan-Moist-Deciduous-forests.pdf|title=Eastern Deccan Plateau Moist Forests|publisher=Ecological Restoration Alliance|access-date=5 January 2007|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603083113/https://era-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ERA-East-Deccan-Moist-Deciduous-forests.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Jadoan|first=Atar Singh|title=Military Geography of South-East Asia|publisher=Anmol Publications|date=September 2001|isbn=978-8-126-11008-7}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu has the country's third longest [[Coastline of Tamil Nadu|coastline]] at about {{convert|906.9|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mha1.nic.in/par2013/par2013-pdfs/ls-300413/498.pdf|title=Indian States by Coastline|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828221126/http://mha1.nic.in/par2013/par2013-pdfs/ls-300413/498.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2017|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Tamil Nadu's coastline bore the brunt of the 2004 [[Indian Ocean tsunami]] when it hit India, which caused 7,793 direct deaths in the state. Tamil Nadu falls mostly in a region of low seismic hazard with the exception of the western border areas that lie in a low to moderate hazard zone; as per the 2002 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) map, Tamil Nadu falls in Zones II & III. Historically, parts of this region have experienced seismic activity in the M5.0 range.{{sfn|Amateur Seismic Centre|2007}}

The [[coastline of Tamil Nadu]] is {{convert|1076|km|abbr=on}} long, and is the second longest state [[coastline]] in the country after [[Gujarat]].<ref name=Info>{{cite web|url=http://iomenvis.nic.in/index3.aspx?sslid=882&subsublinkid=111&langid=1&mid=1|title=Centre for Coastal Zone Management and Coastal Shelter Belt|publisher=Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University Chennai|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110439/http://iomenvis.nic.in/index3.aspx?sslid=882&subsublinkid=111&langid=1&mid=1|url-status=live}}</ref> There are [[coral reef]]s located in the Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep islands.<ref>{{cite book|title=Coral Reefs of the World: Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Gulf|year=1988|page=84|publisher=United Nations Environment Programme|first1=Martin|last1=Jenkins}}</ref> Tamil Nadu's coastline was permanently altered by the [[Indian Ocean tsunami]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.gdrc.org/uem/disasters/disenvi/tsunami.html|title=The Indian Ocean Tsunami and its Environmental Impacts|publisher=Global Development Research Center|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211164107/http://www.gdrc.org/uem/disasters/disenvi/tsunami.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Geology ===
Tamil Nadu falls mostly in a region of low seismic hazard with the exception of the western border areas that lie in a low to moderate hazard zone; as per the 2002 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) map, Tamil Nadu falls in Zones II and III.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asc-india.org/maps/hazard/haz-tamil-nadu.htm|title=Tamil Nadu Hazard Zone map|publisher=Amateur Seismic Centre, Pune|date=30 March 2007|access-date=10 September 2012|archive-date=17 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717015554/http://asc-india.org/maps/hazard/haz-tamil-nadu.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The volcanic [[basalt]] beds of the Deccan plateau were laid down in the massive [[Deccan Traps]] eruption, which occurred towards the end of the [[Cretaceous]] period, between 67 and 66 million years ago.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/volcanic-eruption-dinosaur-extinction-1211|title=What really killed the dinosaurs?|publisher=MIT|first1=Jennifer|last1=Chu|date=11 December 2014|access-date=28 August 2023|archive-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226120208/http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/volcanic-eruption-dinosaur-extinction-1211|url-status=live}}</ref> Layer after layer was formed by the volcanic activity that lasted many years and when the volcanoes became extinct, they left a region of highlands with typically vast stretches of flat areas on top like a table.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/154969/Deccan|title=Deccan Plateau|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=1 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501005236/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/154969/Deccan|url-status=live}}</ref> The predominant soils of Tamil Nadu are [[red soil|red loam]], [[laterite soil|laterite]], [[chernozem|black]], [[alluvial soil|alluvial]] and [[saline soil|saline]]. Red soil, with a higher iron content, occupies a larger portion of the state and all the inland districts. Black soil is found in [[Kongu Nadu|western Tamil Nadu]] and parts of the southern coast. Alluvial soil is found in the fertile Kaveri delta region, with laterite soil found in pockets, and saline soil across the coast where the evaporation is high.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://dolr.gov.in/sites/default/files/TAMILNADU%20STATE%20PERSPECTIVE%20%26%20STRATEGIC%20PLAN.pdf|title=Strategic plan, Tamil Nadu perspective|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=20|archive-date=9 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309100229/https://dolr.gov.in/sites/default/files/TAMILNADU%20STATE%20PERSPECTIVE%20%26%20STRATEGIC%20PLAN.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Climate ===
=== Climate ===
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map IND present.svg|thumb|Climatic zones of India]]
Tamil Nadu is mostly dependent on monsoon rains, and thereby is prone to droughts when the monsoons fail. The climate of the state ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. The state has two distinct periods of rainfall:
[[File:India_southwest_summer_monsoon_onset_map_en.svg|thumb|Tamil Nadu gets most of the rains from the [[monsoon]]. Pictured is the monsoon onset map of India.]]
* [[Monsoon|south west monsoon]] from June to September, with strong southwest winds;

* [[Monsoon#Late in Year|North east monsoon]] from October to December, with dominant north east winds;
The region has a [[tropical climate]] and depends on monsoons for rainfall.<ref>{{cite book|last1=McKnight|first1=Tom L|last2=Hess|first2=Darrel|year=2000|chapter=Climate Zones and Types: The Köppen System|title=Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation|pages=[https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn/page/205 205–211]|location=Upper Saddle River, NJ|publisher=Prentice Hall|isbn=978-0-130-20263-5|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn|url=https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn/page/205}}</ref> Tamil Nadu is divided into seven agro-climatic zones: northeast, northwest, west, southern, high rainfall, high altitude hilly, and [[Kaveri]] delta.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://farmech.dac.gov.in/FarmerGuide/TN/Introduction.htm|title=Farmers Guide, introduction|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626154923/https://farmech.dac.gov.in/FarmerGuide/TN/Introduction.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[tropical savanna climate|tropical wet and dry climate]] prevails over most of the inland peninsular region except for a semi-arid [[rain shadow]] east of the Western Ghats. Winter and early summer are long dry periods with temperatures averaging above {{convert|18|°C|°F|0}}; summer is exceedingly hot with temperatures in low-lying areas exceeding {{convert|50|°C|°F|0}}; and the rainy season lasts from June to September, with annual rainfall averaging between {{convert|750|and|1500|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} across the region. Once the dry northeast monsoon begins in September, most precipitation in India falls in Tamil Nadu, leaving other states comparatively dry.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1994174.stm|title=India's heatwave tragedy|work=[[BBC News]]|date=17 May 2002|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152820/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1994174.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[hot semi-arid climate]] predominates in the land east of the Western Ghats which includes inland south and south central parts of the state and gets between {{convert|400|and|750|mm|1}} of rainfall annually, with hot summers and dry winters with temperatures around {{convert|20|–|24|C|F}}. The months between March and May are hot and dry, with mean monthly temperatures hovering around {{convert|32|C|F}}, with {{convert|320|mm|in|0}} precipitation. Without artificial irrigation, this region is not suitable for agriculture.<ref>{{cite book|last=Caviedes|first=C. N.|title=El Niño in History: Storming Through the Ages|edition=1st|publisher=University Press of Florida|date=18 September 2001|isbn=978-0-813-02099-0}}</ref>


The [[southwest monsoon]] from June to September accounts for most of the rainfall in the region. The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon hits the Western Ghats from Kerala and moves northward along the [[Konkan coast]], with precipitation on the western region of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wgbis.ces.iisc.ac.in/biodiversity/sahyadri/wgbis_info/climate.htm|title=Climate of Western Ghats|publisher=Indian Institute of Science|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521124321/https://wgbis.ces.iisc.ac.in/biodiversity/sahyadri/wgbis_info/climate.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The lofty Western Ghats prevent the winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau; hence, the leeward region (the region deprived of winds) receives very little rainfall.<ref>{{NatGeo ecoregion|id=im0209|name=South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests|access-date=5 January 2005}}</ref><ref>{{WWF ecoregion|id=im0209|name=South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests|access-date=5 January 2005}}</ref> The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon heads toward northeast India, picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal. The Coramandel coast does not receive much rainfall from the southwest monsoon, due to the shape of the land.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/science/Indian-monsoon|title=Indian monsoon|publisher=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=1 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801140005/https://www.britannica.com/science/Indian-monsoon|url-status=live}}</ref> Northern Tamil Nadu receives most of its rains from the [[northeast monsoon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdchennai.gov.in/northeast_monsoon.htm|title=North East Monsoon|publisher=IMD|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=29 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229133725/http://www.imdchennai.gov.in/northeast_monsoon.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The northeast monsoon takes place from November to early March, when the surface [[high-pressure system]] is strongest.<ref>{{cite book|title=Climatology|first1=Robert V.|last1=Rohli|first2=Anthony J.|last2=Vega|page=204|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|year=2007|isbn=978-0-763-73828-0}}</ref> The [[North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone]]s occur throughout the year in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, bringing devastating winds and heavy rainfall.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/climatology/annualcd.pdf|title=Annual frequency of cyclonic disturbances over the Bay of Bengal (BOB), Arabian Sea (AS) and land surface of India|publisher=[[India Meteorological Department]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623160147/https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/climatology/annualcd.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/cyclone.html|title=The only difference between a hurricane, a cyclone, and a typhoon is the location where the storm occurs|publisher=NOAA|access-date=1 October 2014|archive-date=11 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111165427/https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/cyclone.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The annual rainfall of the state is about {{convert|945|mm|in|abbr=on}} of which 48 per cent is through the northeast monsoon, and 52 per cent through the southwest monsoon. The state has only 3% of the water resources nationally and is entirely dependent on rains for recharging its water resources. Monsoon failures lead to acute [[water scarcity]] and [[2016–17 Drought in Tamil Nadu|severe drought]].<ref>{{cite report|title=Assessment of Recent Droughts in Tamil Nadu|url=https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1057&context=droughtnetnews|publisher=Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute|date=October 1995|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223140326/https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1057&context=droughtnetnews|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://dolr.gov.in/sites/default/files/TAMILNADU%20STATE%20PERSPECTIVE%20%26%20STRATEGIC%20PLAN.pdf|title=Strategic plan, Tamil Nadu perspective|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=3|archive-date=9 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309100229/https://dolr.gov.in/sites/default/files/TAMILNADU%20STATE%20PERSPECTIVE%20%26%20STRATEGIC%20PLAN.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The annual rainfall of the state is about {{convert|945|mm|in|abbr=on}} of which 48 per cent is through the north east monsoon, and 32 per cent through the south west monsoon. Since the state is entirely dependent on rains for recharging its water resources, monsoon failures lead to acute [[water scarcity]] and severe drought.{{sfn|UN, system of organisations|2012}} Tamil Nadu is divided into seven agro-climatic zones: north east, north west, west, southern, high rainfall, high altitude hilly, and [[Kaveri]] Delta (the most fertile agricultural zone).


== Flora and fauna ==
=== Flora and fauna ===
{{Main|Wildlife of Tamil Nadu|List of birds of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Main|Wildlife of Tamil Nadu|List of birds of Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Elephas maximus (Bandipur).jpg|thumb|Tamil Nadu has one of the largest [[Asian elephant]] populations.]]
There are about 2000 species of wildlife that are native to Tamil Nadu. Protected areas provide safe habitat for large mammals including [[Indian elephant|elephants]], [[Bengal tiger|tigers]], [[Indian leopard|leopards]], [[Dhole|wild dogs]], [[sloth bear]]s, [[gaur]]s, [[lion-tailed macaque]]s, [[Nilgiri langur]]s, [[Nilgiri tahr]]s, [[grizzled giant squirrel]]s and [[sambar deer]], resident and migratory birds such as [[cormorant]]s, [[darter]]s, [[heron]]s, [[egret]]s, [[Asian openbill stork|open-billed storks]], [[spoonbill]]s and [[black-headed ibis|white ibises]], [[little grebe]]s, [[common moorhen#Eurasian common moorhen|Indian moorhen]], [[black-winged stilt]]s, a few migratory [[duck]]s and occasionally [[Pelecanus philippensis|grey pelicans]], marine species such as the [[dugong]]s, turtles, dolphins, ''[[Balanoglossus]]'' and a wide variety of fish and insects.


Forests occupy an area of {{convert|22,643|km2|abbr=on}} constituting 17.4% of the geographic area.<ref name="TNAU"/> There is a wide diversity of plants and animals in Tamil Nadu, resulting from its varied climates and geography. [[South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests|Deciduous forests]] are found along the Western Ghats while [[South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests|tropical dry forests]] and [[Deccan thorn scrub forests|scrub lands]] are common in the interior.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol2/isfr-2019-vol-ii-tamilnadu.pdf|title=Forest Survey of Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 May 2024|year=2019}}</ref> The southern Western Ghats have rain forests located at high altitudes called the [[South Western Ghats montane rain forests]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://era-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/South-Western-Ghats-Montane-Rainforest.pdf|title=South Western Ghats montane rain forests|publisher=Ecological Restoration Alliance|access-date=15 April 2006|archive-date=9 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309224923/https://era-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/South-Western-Ghats-Montane-Rainforest.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Western Ghats eco-region is one of the eight hottest [[biodiversity hotspot]]s in the world and a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/multiple%3D1%26unique_number%3D1921|title=Western Ghats|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=21 February 2014|archive-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118010253/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/multiple%3D1%26unique_number%3D1921|url-status=live}}</ref> There are about 2,000 species of wildlife that are native to Tamil Nadu, 5640 species of [[angiosperm]]s (including 1,559 species of [[medicinal plant]]s, 533 [[endemism|endemic]] species, 260 species of wild relatives of cultivated plants, 230 [[red-listed]] species), 64 species of [[gymnosperm]]s (including four indigenous species and 60 introduced species) and 184 species of [[pteridophyte]]s apart from [[bryophyte]]s, [[lichen]], [[fungi]], [[algae]], and [[bacteria]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnenvis.nic.in/tnenvis_old/forest.htm|title=Forests of Tamil Nadu|publisher=ENVIS|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224000441/http://tnenvis.nic.in/tnenvis_old/forest.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Common plant species include the state tree: [[Borassus flabellifer#Cultural symbolism|palmyra palm]], [[eucalyptus]], rubber, [[cinchona]], clumping bamboos (''[[Bambusa]] arundinacea''), [[Tectona grandis|common teak]], ''[[Anogeissus latifolia]]'', [[Terminalia tomentosa|Indian laurel]], [[grewia]], and blooming trees like [[Cassia fistula|Indian laburnum]], [[ardisia]], and [[solanaceae]]. Rare and unique plant life includes ''Combretum ovalifolium'', [[ebony]] (''Diospyros nilagrica''), ''[[Habenaria]] rariflora'' (orchid), ''[[Cyathea sect. Alsophila|Alsophila]]'', ''[[Impatiens]] elegans'', ''[[Ranunculus]] reniformis'', and [[Osmunda regalis|royal fern]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.environment.tn.gov.in/Document/archives/Biodiversity.pdf|title=Biodiversity, Tamil Nadu Dept. of Forests|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=10 September 2012|archive-date=29 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629090946/https://www.environment.tn.gov.in/Document/archives/Biodiversity.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Indian [[Angiosperm]] diversity comprises 17,672 species with Tamil Nadu leading all states in the country, with 5640 species accounting for 1/3 of the total flora of India. This includes 1559 species of [[medicinal plant]]s, 533 [[endemism|endemic]] species, 260 species of wild relatives of cultivated plants and 230 [[red-listed]] species. The [[Gymnosperm]] diversity of the country is 64 species of which Tamil Nadu has four indigenous species and about 60 introduced species. The [[Pteridophyte]]s diversity of India includes 1022 species of which Tamil Nadu has about 184 species. Vast numbers of [[bryophyte]]s, [[lichen]], fungi, [[algae]] and bacteria are among the wild plant diversity of Tamil Nadu.


[[File:A courting male in Eravikulam NP AJTJohnsingh DSCN2997.jpg|thumb|left|[[Nilgiri tahr]], an endangered animal found only in the [[Nilgiri Mountains]], is the state animal.]]
Common plant species include the state tree: [[Borassus flabellifer#Cultural symbolism|palmyra palm]], [[eucalyptus]], rubber, [[cinchona]], clumping bamboos (''[[Bambusa]] arundinacea''), [[Tectona grandis|common teak]], ''[[Anogeissus latifolia]]'', [[Terminalia tomentosa|Indian laurel]], [[grewia]], and blooming trees like [[Cassia fistula|Indian labumusum]], [[ardisia]], and [[solanaceae]]. Rare and unique plant life includes ''Combretum ovalifolium'', [[ebony]] (''Diospyros nilagrica''), ''[[Habenaria]] rariflora'' (orchid), ''[[Cyathea sect. Alsophila|Alsophila]]'', ''[[Impatiens]] elegans'', ''[[Ranunculus]] reniformis'', and [[Osmunda regalis|royal fern]].{{sfn|Biodiversity of Tamil Nadu|2012}}


Important ecological regions of Tamil Nadu are the [[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]] in the [[Nilgiri Hills]], the [[Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve]] in the [[Agastya Mala]]-[[Cardamom Hills]] and [[Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park|Gulf of Mannar]] coral reefs.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/biosphere.pdf|title=Biosphere Reserves in India|publisher=Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|date=2019|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205222104/http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/biosphere.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve]] covers an area of {{convert|10500|km2|abbr=on}} of ocean, islands and the adjoining coastline including [[coral reef]]s, [[salt marsh]]es and mangroves. It is home to [[endangered]] aquatic species, including [[dolphin]]s, [[dugong]]s, [[whale]]s and [[Holothuroidea|sea cucumbers]].<ref>{{cite book|page=10|title=Environment impact assessment|first1=J.|last1=Sacratees|first2=R.|last2=Karthigarani|publisher=APH Publishing|year=2008|isbn=978-8-131-30407-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Conservation and Sustainable-use of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve's Coastal Biodiversity|date=5 April 2001 |url=https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/634|publisher=Global Environment Facility|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225102135/https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/634|url-status=live}}</ref> Bird sanctuaries, including [[Thattekad Bird Sanctuary|Thattekad]], [[Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary|Kadalundi]], [[Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary|Vedanthangal]], [[Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary|Ranganathittu]], [[Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary|Kumarakom]], [[Neelapattu Sanctuary|Neelapattu]], and [[Pulicat Lake|Pulicat]], are home to numerous migratory and local birds.<ref>{{cite book|title=The birds of southern India, including Madras, Malabar, Travancore, Cochin, Coorg and Mysore|first1=H.R.|last1=Baker|first2=Chas. M.|last2=Inglis|year=1930|publisher=Superintendent, Government Press|place=Chennai}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Birds of Southern India|first1=Richard|last1=Grimmett|first2=Tim|last2=Inskipp|date=30 November 2005|publisher=A&C Black}}</ref><ref name="ENVIS"/>
== National and state parks ==
[[File:Elephant Gobi.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve]] has the largest elephant population in India]]
{{Main|Protected areas of Tamil Nadu}}
Tamil Nadu has a wide range of [[Biomes]] extending east from the [[South Western Ghats montane rain forests]] in the [[Western Ghats]] through the [[South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests]] and [[Deccan thorn scrub forests]] to [[tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests|tropical dry broadleaf forests]] and then to the beaches, [[estuaries]], [[salt marsh]]es, [[mangrove]]s, [[Seagrass]]es and [[coral reef]]s of the [[Bay of Bengal]].
The state has a range of flora and fauna with many species and habitats. To protect this diversity of wildlife there are [[Protected areas]] of Tamil Nadu as well as [[Biosphere reserves of India|biospheres]] which protect larger areas of natural habitat often include one or more National Parks. The [[Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve]] established in 1986 is a marine ecosystem with seaweed seagrassrass communities, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangrove forests. The [[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]] located in the [[Western Ghats]] and [[Nilgiri Hills]] comprises part of adjoining states of Kerala and Karnataka. The [[Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve]] is in the south west of the state bordering Kerala in the Western Ghats. Tamil Nadu is home to five declared National parks located in [[Indira Gandhi National Park|Anamalai]], [[Mudumalai National Park|Mudumalai]], [[Mukurthi National Park|Mukurithi]], [[Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park|Gulf of Mannar]], [[Guindy National Park|Guindy]] located in the centre of [[Chennai]] city and [[Arignar Anna Zoological Park|Vandalur]] located in South Chennai. [[Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary|Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve]], [[Mukurthi National Park]] and [[Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve]] are the tiger reserves in the state.


[[File:Tiger_Drinking_Pond_Mudumalai_Mar21_DSC01310.jpg|thumb|A [[Bengal tiger]] at [[Mudumalai National Park]], the first modern [[wildlife sanctuary]] in South India]]
== Governance and administration ==
{{Main|Government of Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu Legislature}}
[[File:A building in Chennai.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|Madras High Court, Chennai]]
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state while the [[Chief Minister]] is the head of the government and the head of the council of ministers.<ref name="TNGovPortal">{{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/government |title=Tamil Nadu Government Portal |publisher=Information Technology Department – Tamil Nadu Government |accessdate=7 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606113128/http://www.tn.gov.in/government |archive-date=6 June 2017 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The [[Chief Justice]] of the [[Madras High Court]] is the head of the judiciary.<ref name="TNGovPortal" /> The present Governor, Chief Minister and the Chief Justice are [[Banwarilal Purohit]] (governor),<ref>{{cite news|title=Vidyasagar Rao assumes office as acting Governor of Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Vidyasagar-Rao-assumes-office-as-acting-Governor-of-Tamil-Nadu/article14621797.ece|accessdate=7 June 2017|work=The Hindu|date=3 September 2016|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210042247/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Vidyasagar-Rao-assumes-office-as-acting-Governor-of-Tamil-Nadu/article14621797.ece|archive-date=10 December 2016|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mariappan|first1=Julie|title=Tamil Nadu Governor appoints Edappadi K Palaniswami as chief minister – Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/edappadi-k-palaniswami-is-new-tamil-nadu-chief-minister/articleshow/57181386.cms|accessdate=7 June 2017|work=The Times of India|date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702153445/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/edappadi-k-palaniswami-is-new-tamil-nadu-chief-minister/articleshow/57181386.cms|archive-date=2 July 2017|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and [[Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Subramani|first1=A|title=Justice V.K. Tahilramani sworn-in Chief Justice of Madras HC|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/justice-vk-tahilramani-sworn-in-chief-justice-of-madras-hc/article24670057.ece}}</ref> respectively. Administratively the state is divided into 33 districts. [[Chennai]] (formerly known as Madras) is the state capital. It is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in India and is also one of the major Metropolitan cities of India. The state comprises 39 [[Lok Sabha]] constituencies and 234 Legislative Assembly constituencies.<ref>{{cite web|title = Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu State {{!}} Tamil Nadu Government Portal|url = http://www.tn.gov.in/government/mps|website = www.tn.gov.in|access-date = 2016-01-25|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160130154452/http://www.tn.gov.in/government/mps|archive-date = 30 January 2016|dead-url = no|df = dmy-all}}</ref>


Protected areas cover an area of {{convert|3305|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, constituting 2.54% of the geographic area and 15% of the {{convert|22643|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} recorded forest area of the state.<ref name="TNAU">{{cite web|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|url=https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/forestry/forest_wildlife_resources_index.html|title=Forest Wildlife resources|access-date=1 February 2023|archive-date=29 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129055829/https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/forestry/forest_wildlife_resources_index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mudumalai National Park]] was established in 1940 and was the first modern [[wildlife sanctuary]] in South India. The protected areas are administered by the [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Ministry of Environment and Forests]] of the government of India and the [[Tamil Nadu Forest Department]]. [[Pichavaram]] consists of a number of islands interspersing the [[Vellar River|Vellar]] estuary in the north and [[Coleroon]] estuary in the south with [[mangrove]] forests. The Pichavaram mangrove forests is one of the largest mangrove forests in India covering {{convert|45|km2|abbr=on}} and supports the existence of rare varieties of economically important shells, fishes and migrant birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5446/|title=Pichavaram|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003014529/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5446/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/walkthroughs/top-5-largest-mangrove-and-swamp-forest-in-india|title=Top 5 Largest Mangrove and Swamp Forest in India|date=7 January 2014|publisher=Walk through India|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=16 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816063146/http://www.walkthroughindia.com/walkthroughs/top-5-largest-mangrove-and-swamp-forest-in-india/|url-status=live}}</ref> The state has five [[National parks of India|National Parks]] covering {{convert|307.84|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}{{ndash}}[[Indira Gandhi National Park|Anamalai]], Mudumalai, [[Mukurthi National Park|Mukurthi]], [[Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park|Gulf of Mannar]], a marine national park and [[Guindy National Park|Guindy]], an urban national park within Chennai.<ref name="ENVIS"/> Tamil Nadu has 18 [[Protected areas of India#Wildlife sanctuaries|wildlife sanctuaries]].<ref name="ENVIS"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/mar/21/tamil-nadus-18th-wildlife-sanctuary-to-come-up-in-erode-2558036.html|title=Tamil Nadu's 18th wildlife sanctuary to come up in Erode|date=21 March 2023|access-date=24 August 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824135751/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/mar/21/tamil-nadus-18th-wildlife-sanctuary-to-come-up-in-erode-2558036.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu is home to one of the largest populations of endangered [[Bengal tigers]] and [[Indian elephants]] in India.<ref>{{cite book|last=Panwar|first=H. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YdC-wfyZwZEC&pg=PA110|title=Project Tiger: The reserves, the tigers, and their future|publisher=Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, N.J.|pages=110–117|year=1987|isbn=978-0-815-51133-5|access-date=23 December 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152818/https://books.google.com/books?id=YdC-wfyZwZEC&pg=PA110|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mysore/Project_elephant_status_for_Bhadra_sanctuary/articleshow/4066438.cms|title=Project Elephant Status|date=2 February 2009|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=24 February 2009|archive-date=2 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802102040/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mysore/Project_elephant_status_for_Bhadra_sanctuary/articleshow/4066438.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> There are five declared elephant sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu as per [[Project Elephant]]{{ndash}}Agasthyamalai, [[Anamalai Tiger Reserve|Anamalai]], [[Coimbatore Elephant Reserve|Coimbatore]], Nilgiris and [[Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve|Srivilliputtur]].<ref name="ENVIS">{{cite web|title=Bio-Diversity and Wild Life in Tamil Nadu|url=http://tnenvis.nic.in/Database/SoilResources_1171.aspx|publisher=ENVIS|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410055618/http://tnenvis.nic.in/Database/SoilResources_1171.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu participates in [[Project Tiger]] and has five declared [[tiger reserves of India|tiger reserves]]{{ndash}}Anamalai, [[Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve|Kalakkad-Mundanthurai]], [[Mudumalai Tiger Reserve|Mudumalai]], [[Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary|Sathyamangalam]] and Megamalai.<ref name="ENVIS"/><ref name="MOEF">{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44799|title=Eight New Tiger Reserves|date=13 November 2008|work=Press Release|publisher=Ministry of Environment and Forests, Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India|access-date=2009-10-31|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193258/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44799|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=B. Aravind|date=6 February 2021|title=Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve in TN approved|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/srivilliputhurmegamalai-tiger-reserve-in-tn-approved/article33766578.ece|access-date=28 May 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419202157/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/srivilliputhurmegamalai-tiger-reserve-in-tn-approved/article33766578.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There are seventeen declared bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="ENVIS"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Migratory birds flock to Vettangudi Sanctuary|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 November 2004|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/migratory-birds-flock-to-vettangudi-sanctuary/article27715325.ece|access-date=25 August 2023|archive-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825122713/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/migratory-birds-flock-to-vettangudi-sanctuary/article27715325.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kazhuveli wetland in Tamil Nadu declared bird sanctuary|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=7 December 2021|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-kazhuveli-wetland-bird-sanctuary-7660209/|access-date=25 August 2023|archive-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825130556/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-kazhuveli-wetland-bird-sanctuary-7660209/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu had a [[bicameralism|bicameral legislature]] until 1986, when it was replaced with a [[unicameralism|unicameral legislature]], like most other states in India. The term length of the government is five years. The present government is headed by [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]], after the demise of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, [[J. Jayalalithaa]] of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]. The [[Tamil Nadu legislative assembly]] is housed at the [[Fort St. George (India)|Fort St. George]] in Chennai. The state had come under the [[President's rule]] on four occasions&nbsp;– first from 1976 to 1977, next for a short period in 1980, then from 1988 to 1989 and the latest in 1991.


[[File:Pichavaram_1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Pichavaram]], one of the few [[mangrove]] forests in India]]
Tamil Nadu has been a pioneering state of [[E-Governance]] initiatives in India. A large part of the government records like land ownership records are digitised and all major offices of the state government like [[Urban Local Bodies]]&nbsp;– all the corporations and municipal office activities&nbsp;– revenue collection, land registration offices, and transport offices have been computerised. Tamil Nadu is one of the states where law and order has been maintained largely successfully.{{sfn|Tamil Nadu Police|2011}} The [[Tamil Nadu Police]] Force is over 140 years old. It is the fifth largest state police force in India (as of 2015, total police force of TN is 1,11,448) and has the highest proportion of women police personnel in the country (total women police personnel of TN is 13,842 which is about 12.42%) to specifically handled [[violence against women in Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/data/women-police-personnel-face-bias-says-report/article7554550.ece?theme=true |title=Women police personnel face bias, says report |author=Rukmini S. |work=The Hindu |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041856/http://www.thehindu.com/data/women-police-personnel-face-bias-says-report/article7554550.ece?theme=true |archive-date=16 October 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{sfn|TN Police strength|2011}} In 2003, the state had a total police population ratio of 1:668, higher than the national average of 1:717.


There is one conservation reserve at [[Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve|Tiruvidaimarudur]] in [[Thanjavur district]]. There are two [[List of protected areas in India#Zoos|zoos]] recognised by the [[Central Zoo Authority of India]] namely [[Arignar Anna Zoological Park]] and [[Madras Crocodile Bank Trust]], both located in [[Chennai]].<ref name="ENVIS"/> The state has other smaller zoos run by local administrative bodies such as [[VOC park and zoo|Coimbatore Zoo]] in [[Coimbatore]], [[Amirthi Zoological Park]] in [[Vellore]], Kurumpampatti Wildlife Park in [[Salem district|Salem]], Yercaud Deer Park in [[Yercaud]], Mukkombu Deer Park in [[Tiruchirapalli district|Tiruchirapalli]] and Ooty Deer Park in [[Nilgiris district|Nilgiris]].<ref name="ENVIS"/> There are five crocodile farms located at [[Amaravathi Dam#Crocodiles|Amaravati]] in [[Coimbatore district]], [[Hogenakkal (village)|Hogenakkal]] in [[Dharmapuri district]], Kurumbapatti in [[Salem district]], [[Madras Crocodile Bank Trust]] in [[Chennai]] and [[Sathanur Reservoir|Sathanur]] in [[Tiruvannamalai district]].<ref name="ENVIS"/> Threatened and endangered species found in the region include the [[grizzled giant squirrel]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/wildlife/grizzled-squirrel-sanctuary.php|title=Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=2 February 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208034129/https://www.tamilnadutourism.com/wildlife/grizzled-squirrel-sanctuary.php|url-status=live}}</ref> [[grey slender loris]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=M.|last2=Lindburg|first2=D.G.|last3=Udhayan|first3=A.|last4= Kumar|first4=M.A.|last5=Kumara|first5=H.N.|year=1999|title=Status survey of slender loris Loris tardigradus lydekkerianus|publisher=Oryx|pages=31–37}}</ref> [[sloth bear]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Daroji-an ecological destination|last=Kottur|first=Samad|publisher=Drongo|year=2012|isbn=978-9-3508-7269-7}}</ref> [[Nilgiri tahr]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/nilgiri-tahr-population-over-3000-wwfindia/article7717561.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|title=Nilgiri tahr population over 3,000: WWF-India|date=3 October 2015|access-date=19 March 2016|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208090051/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/nilgiri-tahr-population-over-3000-wwfindia/article7717561.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nilgiri langur]],<ref>{{cite report|last1=Malviya|first1=M.|last2=Srivastav|first2=A.|last3=Nigam|first3=P.|last4=Tyagi|first4=P.C.|title=Indian National Studbook of Nilgiri Langur (''Trachypithecus johnii'')|url=https://www.cza.nic.in/Nilgiri%20Langur%20studbook.pdf|year=2011|publisher=[[Wildlife Institute of India]], Dehradun and [[Central Zoo Authority]], New Delhi|access-date=19 March 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023432/http://www.cza.nic.in/Nilgiri%20Langur%20studbook.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[lion-tailed macaque]],<ref>{{cite iucn|author=Singh, M.|author2=Kumar, A.|author3=Kumara, H.N.|date=2020|title=''Macaca silenus''|volume=2020|page=e.T12559A17951402|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T12559A17951402.en|access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> and the [[Indian leopard]].<ref>{{cite iucn|author=Stein, A.B.|author2=Athreya, V.|author3=Gerngross, P.|author4=Balme, G.|author5=Henschel, P.|author6=Karanth, U.|author7=Miquelle, D.|author8=Rostro-Garcia, S.|author9=Kamler, J.F.|author10=Laguardia, A.|author11=Khorozyan, I.|author12=Ghoddousi, A.|date=2020|title=''Panthera pardus''|volume=2020|page=e.T15954A163991139|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T15954A163991139.en|access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
== Administrative subdivisions ==
{{Main|Districts of Tamil Nadu|Local bodies in Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:India Tamil Nadu districts numbered.svg|thumb|upright=0.9|right|Districts of Tamil Nadu]]


{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 85%"
Tamil Nadu is subdivided into 33 [[Districts of India|districts]], which are listed below. A district is administered by a [[District Collector]] who is mostly an [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) member, appointed by State Government. Districts are further divided into 226 [[Tehsil|Taluks]] administrated by [[Tehsildar|Tahsildars]] comprising 1127 [[Revenue block]]s. A District has also one or more Revenue Divisions (in total 76) constituted by many Revenue Blocks. 16,564 Revenue villages ([[Village Panchayat]]) are the primary grassroots level administrative units which in turn might include many villages and administered by a Village Administrative Officer (VAO), many of which form a Revenue Block. Cities and towns are administered by [[Municipal corporations]] and Municipalities respectively. The urban bodies include 12 [[City Municipal Corporations of Tamil Nadu|city corporations]], 125 [[Template:Municipalities of Tamil Nadu|municipalities]] and 529 town panchayats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/municipalities/municipalities_gradewise.html |title=List of Municipalities in Tamil Nadu Gradewise |publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration, Govt. of Tamil Nadu |accessdate=13 November 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024153945/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/municipalities/municipalities_gradewise.html |archivedate=24 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/dtp/introduction.htm |title=About Us |publisher=Directorate of Town Panchayats, Govt. of Tamil Nadu |accessdate=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122073525/http://www.tn.gov.in/dtp/introduction.htm |archive-date=22 January 2012 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/dtp/townpanchayats.pdf |title=List of Town Panchayats |publisher=Directorate of Town Panchayats, Govt. of Tamil Nadu |accessdate=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027122315/http://www.tn.gov.in/dtp/townpanchayats.pdf |archive-date=27 October 2011 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The rural bodies include 31 district panchayats, 385 panchayat unions and 12,524 village panchayats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://164.100.167.12/ruralmaps/blocks.php |title=District Wise Block Maps |publisher=Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu |accessdate=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122100708/http://164.100.167.12/ruralmaps/blocks.php |archive-date=22 November 2011 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tnrd.gov.in/databases/Districts.pdf |title=List of District panchayat |publisher=Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu |accessdate=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027023714/http://www.tnrd.gov.in/databases/Districts.pdf |archive-date=27 October 2011 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tnrd.gov.in/panchayatraj_inst/grama_sabha.html |title=Grama Sabha |publisher=Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu |accessdate=13 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108053120/http://www.tnrd.gov.in/panchayatraj_inst/grama_sabha.html |archive-date=8 November 2011 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|+Symbols of Tamil Nadu<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiienvis.nic.in/KidsCentre/state_symbols_india_8411.aspx|title=State Symbols of India|publisher=Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India|access-date=30 August 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922102907/https://wiienvis.nic.in/KidsCentre/state_symbols_india_8411.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnbb.tn.gov.in/state-symbol.php|title=Symbols of Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=12 August 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152841/https://tnbb.tn.gov.in/state-symbol.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
!Animal
!Bird
!Butterfly
!Tree
!Fruit
!Flower
|-
|[[Nilgiri tahr]] (''Nilgiritragus hylocrius'')
|[[Common emerald dove|Emerald dove]] (''Chalcophaps indica'')
|[[Cirrochroa thais|Tamil Yeoman]] (''Cirrochroa thais'')
|[[Borassus flabellifer|Palmyra palm]] (''Borassus flabellifer'')
|[[Jackfruit]] (''Artocarpus heterophyllus'')
|[[Gloriosa superba|Glory lily]] (''Gloriosa superba'')
|}


== Administration and politics ==
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed"
=== Administration ===
|+ {{nowrap|Districts of Tamil Nadu}}
{|class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; margin-right:1em"
|+ Administrative officials
|-
|-
!Title
! !! District !! Headquarters !! Area !! Population<br />(2011) !! Population<br />density
!Name
|-
|-
|[[Governor of Tamil Nadu|Governor]]
| align="centre"| 1 || [[Ariyalur District|Ariyalur]] || [[Ariyalur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1944}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|752481}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|387}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|[[R. N. Ravi]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/r-n-ravis-appointment-as-governor-triggers-mixed-reactions-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/86120566.cms|title=R. N. Ravi is new Governor of Tamil Nadu|access-date=13 September 2021|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=11 September 2021|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913000031/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/r-n-ravis-appointment-as-governor-triggers-mixed-reactions-in-tamil-nadu/articleshow/86120566.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|Chief minister]]
| align="centre"| 2 || [[Chennai District|Chennai]] || [[Chennai]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|174}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4681087}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|26903}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|[[M. K. Stalin]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/mk-stalin-sworn-in-as-chief-minister-of-tamil-nadu/article34504106.ece|title=MK Stalin sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|access-date=23 June 2021|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 May 2021|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623181732/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/mk-stalin-sworn-in-as-chief-minister-of-tamil-nadu/article34504106.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Chief Justice]]
| align="centre"| 3 || [[Coimbatore District|Coimbatore]] || [[Coimbatore]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4642}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3172578}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|648}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|[[Kalpathi Rajendran Shriram|K. R. Shriram]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/justice-shriram-kalpathi-rajendran-sworn-in-as-chief-justice-of-madras-high-court/article68689507.ece|title=Justice K.R. Shriram sworn in as Chief Justice of Madras High Court|date=27 September 2024|access-date=27 September 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
|-
| align="centre"| 4 || [[Cuddalore District|Cuddalore]] || [[Cuddalore]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3705}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2600880}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|702}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 5 || [[Dharmapuri District|Dharmapuri]] || [[Dharmapuri]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4527}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1502900}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|332}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 6 || [[Dindigul District|Dindigul]] || [[Dindigul]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|6054}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2161367}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|357}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 7 || [[Erode District|Erode]] || [[Erode]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|5692}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2259608}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|397}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 8 ||[[Kallakurichi district|Kallakurichi]] || [[Kallakurichi]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2174}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|548950}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|254}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 9 || [[Kanyakumari District|Kanyakumari]] || [[Nagercoil]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1685}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1863174}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1106}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 10 || [[Kanchipuram District|Kanchipuram]] || [[Kanchipuram]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4305}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2690897}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|666}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 11 || [[Karur District|Karur]] || [[Karur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2902}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1076588}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|371}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 12 || [[Krishnagiri District|Krishnagiri]] || [[Krishnagiri]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|5091}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1883731}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|370}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 13 || [[Madurai District|Madurai]] || [[Madurai]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3695}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2441038}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|663}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 14 || [[Nagapattinam District|Nagapattinam]] || [[Nagapattinam]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2416}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1614069}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|668}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 15 || [[Namakkal District|Namakkal]] || [[Namakkal]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3402}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1721179}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|506}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 16 || [[Nilgiris District|Nilgiris]] || [[Udagamandalam]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2552}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|735071}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|288}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 17 || [[Perambalur District|Perambalur]] || [[Perambalur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1748}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|564511}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|323}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 18 || [[Pudukkottai District|Pudukkottai]] || [[Pudukkottai]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4652}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1618725}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|348}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 19 || [[Ramanathapuram District|Ramanathapuram]] || [[Ramanathapuram]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4180}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1337560}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|320}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 20 || [[Salem district|Salem]] || [[Salem (India)|Salem]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|5249}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3480008}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|663}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 21 || [[Sivaganga District|Sivaganga]] || [[Sivaganga]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4140}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1341250}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|324}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 22 || [[Thanjavur District|Thanjavur]] || [[Thanjavur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3477}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2302781}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|661}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 23 || [[Theni District|Theni]] || [[Theni]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2872}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1143684}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|397}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 24 || [[Thoothukudi District|Thoothukudi]] || [[Thoothukudi]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4599}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1738376}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|378}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 25 || [[Tiruchirappalli District|Tiruchirappalli]] || [[Tiruchirappalli]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4508}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2713858}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|602}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 26 || [[Tirunelveli District|Tirunelveli]] || [[Tirunelveli]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|6709}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3072880}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|458}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 27 || [[Tirupur District|Tirupur]] || [[Tirupur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|5192}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2471222}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|476}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 28 || [[Tiruvallur District|Tiruvallur]] || [[Tiruvallur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3552}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|3725697}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1049}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 29 || [[Tiruvannamalai District|Tiruvannamalai]] || [[Tiruvannamalai]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|6188}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4121965}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|667}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 30 || [[Tiruvarur District|Tiruvarur]] || [[Tiruvarur]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|2379}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1268094}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|533}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 31 || [[Vellore District|Vellore]] || [[Vellore]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|6081}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4028106}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|671}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 32 || [[Viluppuram District|Viluppuram]] || [[Viluppuram]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|5080}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|295687}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|482}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|-
| align="centre"| 33 || [[Virudhunagar District|Virudhunagar]] || [[Virudhunagar]] || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|4280}} km<sup>2</sup> || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|1943309}} || style="text-align:right;"| {{nts|454}} /km<sup>2</sup>
|}
|}
{{Further|Local government bodies in Tamil Nadu}}
Chennai is the capital of the state and houses the [[Government of Tamil Nadu|state executive]], [[legislature|legislative]] and [[High Courts of India|head of judiciary]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Tamil-Nadu|title=Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=20 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120141242/https://www.britannica.com/place/Tamil-Nadu|url-status=live}}</ref> The administration of the state government functions through various secretariat departments. There are 43 departments of the state and the departments have further sub-divisions which may govern various undertakings and boards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/department|title=List of Departments|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331152823/https://www.tn.gov.in/department|url-status=live}}</ref> The state is divided into 38 [[Districts of Tamil Nadu|districts]], each of which is administered by a [[District Collector]], who is an officer of the [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) appointed to the district by the Government of Tamil Nadu. For revenue administration, the districts are further subdivided into 87 revenue divisions administered by Revenue Divisional Officers (RDO) which comprise 310 [[Tehsil|taluks]] administered by [[Tehsildar|Tahsildars]].<ref name="AS"/> The taluks are divided into 1349 [[revenue block]]s called ''Firkas'' which consist of 17,680 revenue villages.<ref name="AS">{{cite web|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/government|title=Government units, Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207162622/https://www.tn.gov.in/government|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Administrative divisions of India|local administration]] consists of 15 [[City Municipal Corporations of Tamil Nadu|municipal corporations]], 121 [[Template:Municipalities of Tamil Nadu|municipalities]] and 528 [[town panchayat]]s in the urban areas, and 385 [[panchayat union]]s and 12,618 [[Village Panchayat|village panchayats]], administered by Village Administrative Officers (VAO).<ref name="LG"/><ref name="AS"/><ref>{{cite report|url=https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ch42.pdf|title=Statistical year book of India|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 January 2023|page=1|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316170002/https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ch42.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Greater Chennai Corporation]], established in 1688, is the second oldest in the world and Tamil Nadu was the first state to establish town panchayats as a new administrative unit.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sriram V.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-the-2nd-oldest-corporation-in-the-world/article5180124.ece|title=Chennai - the 2nd oldest Corporation in the world|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=29 September 2013|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="oldestcorp">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/02/stories/2003040200100300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040128034716/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/02/stories/2003040200100300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-01-28|title=The first corporation |date=2003-04-02|access-date=14 April 2012|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/dtp/introduction.htm|title=Town panchayats|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=19 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219001439/https://www.tn.gov.in/dtp/introduction.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LG">{{cite web|url=https://knowindia.india.gov.in/profile/local-government.php|title=Local Government|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 January 2023|page=1|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004071216/https://knowindia.india.gov.in/profile/local-government.php|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Politics ==
=== Legislature ===
[[File:Fort_St._George,_Chennai_2.jpg|thumb|[[Fort St. George]] hosts the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]]]
{{Main|Elections in Tamil Nadu|Politics of Tamil Nadu|Dravidian parties}}
In accordance with the [[Constitution of India]], the [[Governor of Tamil Nadu|governor]] is a state's ''[[de jure]]'' head and appoints the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|chief minister]] who has the ''[[de facto]]'' executive authority.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://interstatecouncil.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CHAPTERI.pdf|title=Chapter I, Constitution of India|date=June 2015| publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 May 2024|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=[[Durga Das Basu]]|title=Introduction to the Constitution of India|year=2011|edition=22|pages=241, 245|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]|isbn=978-81-8038-559-9}}</ref> The [[Indian Councils Act 1861]] established the Madras Presidency legislative council with four to eight members but was a mere advisory body to the governor of the presidency. The strength was increased to twenty in [[Indian Councils Act of 1892|1892]] and fifty in [[Indian Councils Act 1909|1909]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Councils-Act-1892-India|title=Indian Councils Act|publisher=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201040438/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Councils-Act-1892-India|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Councils-Act-of-1909|title=Indian Councils Act, 1909|publisher=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226203954/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Councils-Act-of-1909|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Council|Madras legislative council]] was set-up in 1921 by the [[Government of India Act 1919]] with a term of three years and consisted of 132 Members of which 34 were nominated by the Governor and the rest were elected.<ref name="SL">{{cite web|url=https://assembly.tn.gov.in/history/statelegislature.php|title=History of state legislature|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=10 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110150502/https://assembly.tn.gov.in/history/statelegislature.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Government of India Act 1935]] established a [[bicameralism|bicameral legislature]] with the creation of a new [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Council|legislative council]] with 54 to 56 members in July 1937.<ref name="SL"/> The [[1st Madras Assembly|first legislature]] of Madras state under the [[Constitution of India]] was constituted on 1 March 1952 after the [[1952 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1952 elections]]. The number of seats post the re-organization in 1956 was 206, which was further increased to 234 in 1962.<ref name="SL"/> In 1986, the state moved to a [[unicameralism|unicameral legislature]] with the abolition of the Legislative Council by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (Abolition) act, 1986.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/little-hope-for-revival-of-tns-legislative-council/articleshow/84956355.cms|title=Little hope for revival of Tamil Nadu's legislative council|date=2 August 2021|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224105455/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/little-hope-for-revival-of-tns-legislative-council/articleshow/84956355.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is housed in the [[Fort St. George (India)|Fort St. George]] in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assembly.tn.gov.in/history/history_fort.php|title=History of fort|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082644/https://assembly.tn.gov.in/history/history_fort.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The state elects 39 [[Member of Parliament (India)|members]] to the [[Lok Sabha]] and 18 to the [[Rajya Sabha]] of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]].<ref>{{cite report|title=Electoral statistics|url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ELECTROAL%20STATISTICS-WRITEUP.pdf|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|page=2|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082518/https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ELECTROAL%20STATISTICS-WRITEUP.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Law and order ===
[[File:Fort St. George, Chennai 2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Fort St. George hosts the Chief Secretariat of the government of Tamil Nadu]]


[[File:A building in Chennai.JPG|thumb|[[Madras High Court]], the highest judicial authority]]
=== Pre-Independence ===
Prior to Indian independence Tamil Nadu was under British colonial rule as part of the [[Madras Presidency]]. The main party in Tamil Nadu at that time was the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC). [[List of political parties in India|Regional parties]] have dominated state politics since 1916. One of the earliest regional parties, the South Indian Welfare Association, a forerunner to [[Dravidian parties]] in Tamil Nadu, was started in 1916. The party was called after its English organ, [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]], by its opponents. Later, [[South Indian Liberal Federation]] was adopted as its official name. The reason for victory of the Justice Party in elections was the non-participation of the INC, demanding complete independence of India.


The [[Madras High Court]] was established on 26 June 1862 and is the highest judicial authority of the state with control over all the civil and criminal courts in the state.<ref name="HC">{{cite web|url=https://ecommitteesci.gov.in/division/high-court-of-madras/|title=History of Madras High Court|publisher=[[Supreme Court of India]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815125725/https://ecommitteesci.gov.in/division/high-court-of-madras/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is headed by a [[Chief Justice]] and has a bench at Madurai since 2004.<ref name="HC"/> The [[Tamil Nadu Police]], established as Madras state police in 1859, operates under the [[Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise|Home ministry]] of the Government of Tamil Nadu and is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnpmcbe.in/history.html|title=Tamil Nadu Police-history|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu Police]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=17 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217150604/https://tnpmcbe.in/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, it consists of more than 132,000 police personnel, headed by a [[Director General of Police]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/police_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|title=Tamil Nadu Police-Policy document 2023-24|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 January 2023|page=3|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105161838/https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/police_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eservices.tnpolice.gov.in/CCTNSNICSDC/OrganisationChart|title=Tamil Nadu Police-Organizational structure|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu Police]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208193015/https://eservices.tnpolice.gov.in/CCTNSNICSDC/OrganisationChart|url-status=live}}</ref> Women form 17.6% of the police force and specifically handle [[violence against women in Tamil Nadu|violence against women]] through 222 special all-women police stations.<ref name="PS"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/data/women-police-personnel-face-bias-says-report/article7554550.ece?theme=true|title=Women police personnel face bias, says report|author=Rukmini S.|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=29 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041856/http://www.thehindu.com/data/women-police-personnel-face-bias-says-report/article7554550.ece?theme=true|archive-date=16 October 2015|url-status=live|date=19 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://womenpoliceindia.org/state/tamil-nadu|title=Tamil Nadu, women in police|publisher=Women police India|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629230940/http://womenpoliceindia.org/state/tamil-nadu|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the state has 1854 police stations, the highest in the country, including 47 railway and 243 traffic police stations.<ref name="PS">{{cite report|url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/police_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|title=Tamil Nadu Police-Policy document 2023-24|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 January 2023|page=5|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105161838/https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/police_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-02/PSRanking2022EngliishFinal_16022023.pdf|title=Police Ranking 2022|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 September 2023|page=12|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173137/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-02/PSRanking2022EngliishFinal_16022023.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The traffic police under different district administrations are responsible for the traffic management in the respective regions.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/tcp/acts_rules/Town_Country_Planning_Act_1971.pdf|title=The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 (Tamil Nadu Act 35 of 1972)|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616025502/http://www.tn.gov.in/tcp/acts_rules/Town_Country_Planning_Act_1971.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The state is consistently ranked as one of the [[Indian states ranking by safety of women|safest for women]] with a crime rate of 22 per 100,000 in 2018.<ref>{{cite report|title=Crime in India 2019 - Statistics Volume 1|url=https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/CII%202019%20Volume%201.pdf|access-date=12 September 2021|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528004416/https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/CII%202019%20Volume%201.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Justice Party which was under E.V.Ramaswamy was renamed [[Dravidar Kazhagam]] in 1944. It was a non-political party which demanded the establishment of an independent state called [[Dravida Nadu]]. However, due to the differences between its two leaders EVR and [[Annadurai|C.N. Annadurai]], the party was split. Annadurai left the party to form the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK). The DMK decided to enter politics in 1956.


=== Post-Independence ===
=== Politics ===
{{Main|Elections in Tamil Nadu|Politics of Tamil Nadu}}
{| class="toccolours" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="float:right; margin-left:.5em; margin-top:.4em; font-size:90%;"
Elections in India are conducted by the [[Election Commission of India]], an independent body established in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eci.gov.in/about/about-eci/the-setup-r1/|title=Setup of Election Commission of India|date=26 October 2018|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124025555/https://eci.gov.in/about/about-eci/the-setup-r1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Politics in Tamil Nadu was dominated by national parties till the 1960s. Regional parties have ruled ever since. The [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] and [[Swaraj Party]] were the two major parties in the erstwhile Madras Presidency.<ref name="encyclopp">{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Political Parties|last=Ralhan|first=O.P.|year=2002|publisher=Print House|pages=180–199|isbn=978-8-1748-8287-5}}</ref> During the 1920s and 1930s, the [[Self-Respect Movement]], spearheaded by [[Theagaroya Chetty]] and [[E. V. Ramaswamy]] (commonly known as Periyar), emerged in the Madras Presidency and led to the formation of the Justice party.<ref>{{cite book|title=Political and Social Conflict in South India; The non-Brahmin movement and Tamil Separatism, 1916–1929|last=Irschick|first=Eugene F.|year=1969|oclc=249254802|publisher=[[University of California Press]]}}</ref> The Justice Party eventually lost the [[1937 Madras Presidency legislative assembly election|1937 elections]] to the [[Indian National Congress]] and [[Chakravarti Rajagopalachari]] became the chief minister of the Madras Presidency.<ref name="encyclopp"/> In 1944, Periyar transformed the Justice party into a social organisation, renaming the party [[Dravidar Kazhagam]], and withdrew from electoral politics.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/75-years-of-carrying-the-legacy-of-periyar/article29255010.ece|title=75 years of carrying the legacy of Periyar|date=26 August 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224112854/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/75-years-of-carrying-the-legacy-of-periyar/article29255010.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> After independence, the Indian National Congress dominated the political scene in Tamil Nadu in the 1950s and 1960s under the leadership of [[K. Kamaraj]], who led the party after the death of [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] and ensured the selection of Prime Ministers [[Lal Bahadur Shastri]] and [[Indira Gandhi]].<ref name="CM"/><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year=1990|page=[https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/164 164]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|asin=B003DXXMC4}}</ref> [[C. N. Annadurai]], a follower of Periyar, formed the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) in 1949.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-09-03-1971/marican-genesis%20dmk.pdf|title=Genesis of DMK|journal=Asian Studies|page=1|first=Y.|last=Marican|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210185715/https://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-09-03-1971/marican-genesis%20dmk.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- style="background:#ccc; vertical-align:top;"

!Political<br />Alliance
The [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu]] led to the rise of Dravidian parties that formed Tamil Nadu's first government, in [[1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election|1967]].<ref>{{cite report|title=The Madras Legislative Assembly, 1962-67, A Review|url=https://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/3rd_1962/Review%203_62-67.pdf|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224112855/https://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/3rd_1962/Review%203_62-67.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1972, a split in the DMK resulted in the formation of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK) led by [[M. G. Ramachandran]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-look-at-the-events-leading-up-to-the-birth-of-aiadmk/article37046741.ece|title=A look at the events leading up to the birth of AIADMK|date=21 October 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203143001/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-look-at-the-events-leading-up-to-the-birth-of-aiadmk/article37046741.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dravidian parties]] continue to dominate Tamil Nadu electoral politics with the national parties usually aligning as junior partners to the major Dravidian parties, AIADMK and DMK.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wyatt|first=A.K.J.|title=New Alignments in South Indian Politics: The 2001 Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu|journal=[[Asian Survey]]|volume=42|issue=5|pages=733–753|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|year=2002|doi=10.1525/as.2002.42.5.733|df=dmy-all|hdl=1983/1811|url=https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/new-alignments-in-south-indian-politics-the-2001-assembly-elections-in-tamil-nadu(ccd8e236-7d18-4981-92b0-5a1d63ff695d).html|hdl-access=free|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=12 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212070038/https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/new-alignments-in-south-indian-politics-the-2001-assembly-elections-in-tamil-nadu(ccd8e236-7d18-4981-92b0-5a1d63ff695d).html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[M. Karunanidhi]] became the leader of the DMK after Annadurai and [[J. Jayalalithaa]] succeeded as the leader of AIADMK after M. G. Ramachandran.<ref>{{cite news|date=10 February 2017|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Jayalalithaa-vs-Janaki-The-last-succession-battle/article17284902.ece|title=Jayalalithaa vs Janaki: The last succession battle|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 February 2017|archive-date=10 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210193617/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Jayalalithaa-vs-Janaki-The-last-succession-battle/article17284902.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CM"/> Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa dominated the state politics from the 1980s to early 2010s, serving as chief ministers combined for over 32 years.<ref name="CM">{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/history/cmlist.htm|title=Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu since 1920|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726082924/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/history/cmlist.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
![[Tamil Nadu state assembly election, 2016|Assembly]]<br />(2016)

![[Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, 2014|Lok Sabha]]<br />(2014)
C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor General of India post independence, was from Tamil Nadu. The state has produced three Indian presidents, namely, [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/a-winner-at-the-end-why-amartya-sen-should-become-the-next-president-of-india/cid/1024890|title=Why Amartya Sen should become the next president of India|access-date=30 November 2023|first=Ramachandra|last=Guha|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]|date=15 April 2006|archive-date=28 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228073532/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060415/asp/opinion/story_6099278.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> [[R. Venkataraman]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Sanjoy|last=Hazarika|title=India's Mild New President: Ramaswamy Venkataraman|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=17 July 1987|access-date=6 January 2009|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DEEDD1239F934A25754C0A961948260&n=Top/News/World/Countries%20and%20Territories/India|archive-date=12 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812204533/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/17/world/man-in-the-news-india-s-mild-new-president-ramaswamy-venkataraman.html?n=Top%2FNews%2FWorld%2FCountries+and+Territories%2FIndia|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[APJ Abdul Kalam]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Prisoners of the Nuclear Dream|last1=Ramana|first1=M. V.|last2=Reddy, C.|first2=Rammanohar|year=2003|publisher=Orient Blackswan|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-8-1250-2477-4|page=169}}</ref>
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="background:#90ee90;"|[[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK+]]
||134
||37
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="background:#f66;"|[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK+]]
||98
||0
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="background:#ff8;"|BJP
||0
||1
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="background:#ff9;"|PMK
||0
||1
|-
| colspan="3" style="font-size:80%; background:#cef; text-align:center;"| Source: Election Commission of India.{{sfn|Statistical Report of 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly results|2006}}{{sfn|List of Successful candidates|2009}}
|}


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
|align = right
|align = right
|state =
|region =collapsed
|1901|1,92,52,630
| 1951| 30119000
|1911|2,09,02,616
| 1961| 33687000
|1921|2,16,28,518
| 1971| 41199000
|1931|2,34,72,099
| 1981| 48408000
|1941|2,62,67,507
| 1991| 55859000
|1951|3,01,19,047
| 2001| 62406000
|1961|3,36,86,953
| 2011| 72138958
|1971|4,11,99,168
| footnote=Source:Census of India{{sfn|Census population|2011}}
|1981|4,84,08,077
|1991|5,58,58,946
|2001|6,24,05,679
|2011|7,21,47,030
|footnote=Source:Census of India<ref>{{cite report|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/43366/download/47068/33%20A-2%20Tamil%20Nadu.pdf|title=Decadal variation in population 1901-2011, Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229191706/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/43366/download/47068/33%20A-2%20Tamil%20Nadu.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}

{{Main|Demographics of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Main|Demographics of Tamil Nadu}}
As per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]], Tamil Nadu had a population of 72.1 million and is the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|seventh most populous state]] in India.<ref name="pop"/> The population is projected to be 76.8 million in 2023 and to grow to 78 million by 2036.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Population%20Projection%20Report%202011-2036%20-%20upload_compressed_0.pdf|title=Population projection report 2011-36|page=56|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604151511/https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Population%20Projection%20Report%202011-2036%20-%20upload_compressed_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states in the country with more than 48.4 per cent of the population living in urban areas.<ref name="DG">{{cite report|url=http://tnenvis.nic.in/Database/Demography_1168.aspx?format=Print|title=Demography of Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209234142/https://tnenvis.nic.in/Database/Demography_1168.aspx?format=Print|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, the [[sex ratio]] was 996 females per 1000 males, higher than the national average of 943.<ref name="SR">{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=98466|title=Sex Ratio, 2011 census|date=21 August 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=14 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314221118/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=98466|url-status=live}}</ref> The sex ratio at birth was recorded as 954 during the fourth [[National Family Health Survey]] (NFHS) in 2015–16 which reduced further to 878 in the fifth NFHS in 2019–21, ranking [[List of states and union territories of India by sex ratio|third worst]] amongst states.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1782601|title=Fifth National Family Health Survey-Update on Child Sex Ratio|publisher=[[Government of India]]|date=17 December 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922222826/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1782601|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, [[List of Indian states and union territories by literacy rate|Literacy rate]] was 80.1%, higher than the national average of 73%.<ref name="LR">{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22070|title=State wise literacy rate|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224183329/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22070|url-status=live}}</ref> The literacy rate was estimated to be 82.9% as per the 2017 [[National Statistical Commission]] (NSC) survey.<ref name="NSC">{{cite report|title=Household Social Consumption on Education in India|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/Report_585_75th_round_Education_final_1507_0.pdf|year=2018|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107060612/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_wb.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2011}}, there were about 23.17 million households with 7.42 million children under the age of six.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.census.tn.nic.in/pca_2011/PCA_datahighlights-TN.pdf|title=Census highlights, 2011|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 May 2023}}</ref> A total of 14.4 million (20%) belonged to [[Scheduled Castes]] (SC) and 0.8 million (1.1%) to [[Scheduled tribes]] (ST).<ref>{{cite report|url=https://census.tn.nic.in/PCA_data_highlights/chapter2_scst_population.pdf|title=SC/ST population in Tamil Nadu 2011|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 May 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224183332/https://census.tn.nic.in/PCA_data_highlights/chapter2_scst_population.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu is the seventh most populous state in India. 48.4 per cent of the state's population live in urban areas, the second highest percentage among large states in India. The state has registered the lowest [[Indian states ranking by fertility rate|fertility rate]] in India in year 2005–06 with 1.7 children born for each woman, lower than required for population sustainability.{{sfn|Distribution by language|2002}}{{sfn|Census by religious communities|2002}}


{{As of|2017}}, the state had the [[Indian states ranking by fertility rate|lowest]] [[Total fertility rate|fertility rate]] in India with 1.6 children born for each woman, lower than required for sustaining the population.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Population%20Projection%20Report%202011-2036%20-%20upload_compressed_0.pdf|title=Population projection report 2011-36|page=25|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604151511/https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Population%20Projection%20Report%202011-2036%20-%20upload_compressed_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021}}, the [[Human Development Index]] (HDI) for Tamil Nadu was 0.686, higher than that of India (0.633) but [[List of Indian states and union territories by Human Development Index|ranked]] medium.<ref name="HDI">{{cite report|title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0|publisher=Global Data Lab|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208071728/https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, the [[life expectancy]] at birth was 74 years, one of the [[List of Indian states by life expectancy at birth|highest]] amongst Indian states.<ref name="LE">{{cite report|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/maps/lifexp/2019/|title=Life expectancy 2019|publisher=Global Data Lab|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103195910/https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/maps/lifexp/2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2023, 2.2% of the people live below the [[poverty line]] as per the [[Multidimensional Poverty Index]], one of the lowest rates amongst Indian states.<ref name="PL">{{cite report|url=https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/National_MPI_India-11242021.pdf|page=35|title=Multidimensional Poverty Index|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 May 2023|archive-date=13 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513171951/https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/National_MPI_India-11242021.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
At the 2011 India census, Tamil Nadu had a population of 72,147,030.{{sfn|Census of Tamil Nadu|2011}} The sex ratio of the state is 995 with 36,137,975 males and 36,009,055 females. There are a total of 23,166,721 households.{{sfn|Census of Tamil Nadu|2011}} The total children under the age of 6 is 7,423,832. A total of 14,438,445 people constituting 20.01 per cent of the total population belonged to [[Scheduled Castes]] (SC) and 794,697 people constituting 1.10 per cent of the population belonged to [[Scheduled tribes]] (ST).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/hlo/pca/pca_pdf/PCA-CRC-0000.pdf |title=SC/ST population in Tamilnadu 2011 |access-date=22 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731203926/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/hlo/pca/pca_pdf/PCA-CRC-0000.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{sfn|Census of Tamil Nadu|2011}}

The state has 51,837,507 literates, making the literacy rate 80.33 per cent. There are a total of 27,878,282 workers, comprising 4,738,819 cultivators, 6,062,786 agricultural labourers, 1,261,059 in house hold industries, 11,695,119 other workers, 4,120,499 marginal workers, 377,220 marginal cultivators, 2,574,844 marginal agricultural labourers, 238,702 marginal workers in household industries and 929,733 other marginal workers.{{sfn|Census of Tamil Nadu|2001}}


=== Cities and towns ===
{{Main|List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population}}
{{Further|List of towns in Tamil Nadu by population}}
The capital of Chennai is the [[List of urban agglomerations in Tamil Nadu|most populous]] urban agglomeration in the state with more than 8.6 million residents, followed by Coimbatore, Madurai, [[Tiruchirappalli]] and [[Tiruppur]], respectively.<ref name="UA">{{cite report|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=Urban Agglomerations and Cities having population 1 lakh and above|work= Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310224309/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|access-date=10 August 2014|archive-date=10 March 2020}}</ref>
{{Largest cities
{{Largest cities
|nonav = y
| name = Populous cities of Tamil Nadu
|country = Tamil Nadu
| class = Nav
|stat_ref = (2011)<ref name="UA"/>
| country = Tamil Nadu
| stat_ref = As of the [[List of most populous towns in Tamil Nadu|2011 Census]]
|list_by_pop = List of cities in Tamil Nadu
|div_name = District
| list_by_pop = List of cities in Tamil Nadu
| div_name = District
|div_link = List of districts in Tamil Nadu{{!}}District
| div_link = List of districts in Tamil Nadu{{!}}District


| city_1 = Chennai
|city_1 = Chennai
| div_1 = Chennai district{{!}}Chennai
|div_1 = Chennai district{{!}}Chennai
| pop_1 = 7,088,000
|pop_1 = 8,696,010
| img_1 = Chennai skyline.JPG
|img_1 = Chennai skyline.JPG


| city_2 = Coimbatore
|city_2 = Coimbatore
| div_2 = Coimbatore district{{!}}Coimbatore
|div_2 = Coimbatore district{{!}}Coimbatore
| pop_2 = 1,601,438
|pop_2 = 2,151,466
| img_2 = Coimbatore junction.jpg
|img_2 = Coimbatore junction.jpg


| city_3 = Madurai
|city_3 = Madurai
| div_3 = Madurai district{{!}}Madurai
|div_3 = Madurai district{{!}}Madurai
| pop_3 = 1,561,129
|pop_3 = 1,462,420
| img_3 = Madurai, India.jpg
|img_3 = Madurai, India.jpg


| city_4 = Tiruchirappalli
|city_4 = Tiruchirappalli
| div_4 = Tiruchirappalli district{{!}}Tiruchirappalli
|div_4 = Tiruchirappalli district{{!}}Tiruchirappalli
| pop_4 = 916,674
|pop_4 = 1,021,717
| img_4 = Rock Fort Temple.jpg
|img_4 = Rock Fort Temple.jpg


| city_5 = Salem, Tamil Nadu{{!}}Salem
|city_5 = Tiruppur
| div_5 = Salem district{{!}}Salem
|div_5 = Tiruppur district{{!}}Tiruppur
| pop_5 = 877,267
|pop_5 = 962,982


| city_6 = Tiruppur
|city_6 = Salem, Tamil Nadu{{!}}Salem
| div_6 = Tiruppur district{{!}}Tiruppur
|div_6 = Salem district{{!}}Salem
| pop_6 = 829,778
|pop_6 = 919,150


| city_7 = Erode
|city_7 = Erode
| div_7 = Erode district{{!}}Erode
|div_7 = Erode district{{!}}Erode
| pop_7 = 498,129
|pop_7 = 521,776


| city_8 = Tirunelveli
|city_8 = Vellore
| div_8 = Tirunelveli district{{!}}Tirunelveli
|div_8 = Vellore district{{!}}Vellore
| pop_8 = 473,637
|pop_8 = 504,079


| city_9 = Ambattur
|city_9 = Tirunelveli
| div_9 = Tiruvallur district{{!}}Tiruvallur
|div_9 = Tirunelveli district{{!}}Tirunelveli
| pop_9 = 466,205
|pop_9 = 498,984


| city_10 = Avadi
|city_10 = Thoothukudi
| div_10 = Tiruvallur district{{!}}Tiruvallur
|div_10 = Thoothukudi district{{!}}Thoothukudi
| pop_10 = 345,996
|pop_10 = 410,760
}}
}}List of most populous towns in Tamil Nadu


=== Religion and ethnicity ===
Among the cities in 2011, the state capital [[Chennai]], was the [[List of most populous towns in Tamil Nadu|most populous city in the state]], followed by [[Coimbatore]], [[Madurai]], [[Trichy]] and [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]] respectively.{{sfn|''The Hindu''|2 June 2013}} India has a human development index calculated as 0.619, while the corresponding figure for Tamil Nadu is 0.736, placing it among the top states in the country.{{sfn|''The Hindu''|4 July 2008}}{{sfn|Human Development reports|2010}} The [[life expectancy]] at birth for males is 65.2 years and for females it is 67.6 years.{{sfn|''Business Line''|20 October 2004}} However, it has a high level of poverty especially in the rural areas. In 2004–2005, the poverty line was set at {{INR}} 351.86/month for rural areas and {{INR}} 547.42/month for urban areas. Poverty in the state dropped from 51.7 per cent in 1983 to 21.1 per cent in 2001{{sfn|''Business Line''|9 April 2004}} For the period 2004–2005, the Trend in Incidence of Poverty in the state was 22.5 per cent compared with the national figure of 27.5 per cent. The World Bank is currently assisting the state in reducing poverty, High drop-out and low completion of secondary schools continue to hinder the quality of training in the population. Other problems include class, gender, inter-district and urban-rural disparities. Based on URP&nbsp;– Consumption for the period 2004–2005, percentage of the state's population [[Poverty|Below Poverty Line]] was 27.5 per cent. The [[Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative]] ranks Tamil Nadu to have a [[Multidimensional Poverty Index]] of 0.141, which is in the level of Ghana among the developing countries.{{sfn|''Southasia.oneworld.net''|28 July 2010}} Corruption is a major problem in the state with Transparency International ranking it the second most corrupt among the states of India.{{sfn|''rediff.com''|17 May 2011}}
{{Bar chart

|float = right
== Religion ==
|title = Religion in Tamil Nadu (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite report|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
{{Main|Hinduism in Tamil Nadu|Christianity in Tamil Nadu|Tamil Muslim|Tamil Jain}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Tamil Nadu (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web |title=Population by religion community – 2011 |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=Census of India, 2011 |publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |archivedate=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = Orange
|color1 = orange
|value1 = 87.58
|data1 = 87.6
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|color2 = DodgerBlue
|color2 = dodgerBlue
|value2 = 6.12
|data2 = 6.1
|label3 = [[Islam]]
|label3 = [[Islam]]
|color3 = Green
|color3 = Green
|value3 = 5.86
|data3 = 5.86
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|color4 = Brown
|color4 = deeppink
|value4 = 0.12
|data4 = 0.1
|label5 = [[Sikhism]]
|label5= Others/Not stated
|data5= 0.3
|color5 = DarkKhaki
|color5= turquoise
|value5 = 0.02
|label6 = [[Buddhism]]
|color6 = Yellow
|value6 = 0.01
|label7 = Other or not religious
|color7 = Black
|value7 = 0.3
}}
}}
{{Main|Religion in Tamil Nadu}}
The state is home to a diverse population of ethno-religious communities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-magic-of-melting-pot-called-chennai/article2728177.ece|title=The magic of melting pot called Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 December 2011|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201746/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-magic-of-melting-pot-called-chennai/article2728177.ece|archive-date=11 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-different-mirror/article14588903.ece|date=25 August 2016|title=A different mirror|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-different-mirror/article14588903.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the 2011 census, [[Hinduism in Tamil Nadu|Hinduism]] is followed by 87.6% of the population. [[Christianity in Tamil Nadu|Christians]] form the largest [[religious minority]] in the state with 6.1% of the population; [[Tamil Muslim|Muslims]] form 5.9% of the population.<ref name="RL">{{cite report|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11361/download/14474/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224183408/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11361/download/14474/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[Tamil people|Tamils]] form a majority of the population with minorities including [[Telugu people|Telugus]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/mar/18/telugu-speaking-people-in-tn-are-not-aliens-587462.html|title='Telugu Speaking People in TN are Not Aliens'|date=18 March 2014|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044308/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/mar/18/Telugu-Speaking-People-in-TN-are-Not-Aliens-587462.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marwaris]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/nov/06/from-rajasthan-with-love-54864.html|title=From Rajasthan with love|date=6 November 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044310/https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/nov/06/from-rajasthan-with-love-54864.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gujarati people|Gujaratis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/oct/20/go-gujarati-this-navratri-54368.html|title=Go Gujrati this navratri|date=20 October 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044309/https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/oct/20/go-gujarati-this-navratri-54368.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Parsi]]s,<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2012/parsis_of_madras.html|title=The Parsis of Madras|journal=Madras Musings|date=15 October 2008|volume=XVIII|issue=12|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619183804/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2012/parsis_of_madras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sindhi people|Sindhis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/sindhis-to-usher-in-new-year-with-fanfare/articleshow/12387158.cms|title=Sindhis to usher in new year with fanfare|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 March 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002201726/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sindhis-to-usher-in-new-year-with-fanfare/articleshow/12387158.cms|archive-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> [[Odia people|Odias]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/why-oriyas-find-chennai-warm-and-hospitable/articleshow/13104180.cms|title=Why Oriyas find Chennai warm and hospitable|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=12 May 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003065711/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Why-Oriyas-find-Chennai-warm-and-hospitable/articleshow/13104180.cms|archive-date=3 October 2016}}</ref> [[Kannadigas]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chennais-kannadigas-not-complaining/articleshow/2926980.cms|title=Chennai's Kannadigas not complaining|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 April 2008|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180609022307/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chennais-Kannadigas-not-complaining/articleshow/2926980.cms|archive-date=9 June 2018}}</ref> [[Anglo-Indians]],<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2012/the-anglo-indians-of-madras.html|title=The Anglo-Indians of Chennai|journal=Madras Musings|volume=XX|issue=12|date=15 October 2010|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309162918/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2012/the-anglo-indians-of-madras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bengali people|Bengalis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a-slice-of-bengal-in-chennai/articleshow/16902833.cms|title=A slice of Bengal in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 October 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407181944/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a-slice-of-bengal-in-chennai/articleshow/16902833.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> [[Punjabi people|Punjabis]],<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2019%20No%2011/the-punjabis-of-chennai.html|first=Madhu|last=B.R.|title=The Punjabis of Chennai|journal=Madras Musings|volume=XX|issue=12|date=16 September 2009|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217003501/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2019%20No%2011/the-punjabis-of-chennai.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Malayalees]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mediaindia.eu/eyetalk/chennai-malayalee-club-leads-onam-2023-celebrations/|title=Chennai Malayalee Club leads Onam 2023 celebrations|newspaper=Media India|date=1 September 2023|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128145731/https://mediaindia.eu/eyetalk/chennai-malayalee-club-leads-onam-2023-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> The state also has a significant [[expatriate]] population.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/240817/when-madras-welcomed-them.html|title=When Madras welcomed them|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=27 August 2007|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/240817/when-madras-welcomed-them.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/oct/24/deepavalithe-expat-edition-2511219.html|title=Deepavali, the expat edition|date=24 October 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/oct/24/deepavalithe-expat-edition-2511219.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2011}}, the state had 3.49 million immigrants.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=[[Government of India]]|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1941077|title=Migration of Labour in the Country|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173148/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1941077|url-status=live}}</ref>
As per the religious census of 2011, Tamil Nadu had 87.6% [[Hindus]], 6.1% [[Christians]], 5.9% [[Muslims]], 0.1% [[Jainism|Jains]] and 0.3% following other religions or no religion.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web |title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu |year=2011 |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |format=XLS |publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |accessdate=13 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |archive-date=13 September 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

== Language ==
{{Main|Tamil language}}
[[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the sole official language of Tamil Nadu while [[English language|English]] is declared an additional official language for communication purposes.<ref name=langoff /> When India adopted national standards. [[Tamil language|Tamil]] was the first language to be recognised as a [[classical language of India]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/18/stories/2004091806530100.htm |title=Front Page : Tamil to be a classical language |publisher=The Hindu |date=18 September 2004 |accessdate=1 August 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303153544/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/18/stories/2004091806530100.htm |archive-date=3 March 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> As of 2001 census Tamil is spoken as the first language by nearly 90 percent of the state's population followed by [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (5.65%), [[Kannada language|Kannada]] (1.67%), [[Urdu]] (1.51%), [[Malayalam]] (0.89%), [[Marathi language|Marathi]] (0.1%) and [[Saurashtra language|Saurashtra]] (0.1%).<ref name=langoff />


=== Language ===
{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption=Distribution of languages in Tamil Nadu<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=Language – India, States and Union Territories |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |pages=13–14 |access-date=8 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073412/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|radius=75
|label1=[[Tamil language|Tamil]]|value1=88.37
|caption = Distribution of languages in Tamil Nadu (2011)<ref name="LRT"/>
|label2=[[Telugu language|Telugu]]|value2=5.87
|label3=[[Kannada language|Kannada]]|value3=1.78
|label1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|color1 = orange
|label4=[[Urdu language|Urdu]]|value4=1.75
|value1 = 88.35
|label5=[[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]|value5=1.01
|label2 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|other=y
|color2 = Blue
|value2 = 5.87
|label3 = [[Kannada]]
|color3 = deeppink
|value3 = 1.78
|label4 = [[Urdu]]
|color4 = Green
|value4 = 1.75
|label5 = [[Malayalam]]
|color5 = violet
|value5 = 1.01
|other-label = Others
|other = 1.24
|other-color = turquoise
}}
}}
Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu, while [[English language|English]] serves as the additional official language.<ref name="Lang"/> Tamil is one of the oldest languages and was the first to be recognized as a [[classical language of India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tamil language|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tamil-language|publisher=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007012008/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tamil-language|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, Tamil is spoken as the first language by 88.4% of the state's population, followed by [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (5.87%), [[Kannada language|Kannada]] (1.78%), [[Urdu]] (1.75%), [[Malayalam]] (1.01%) and other languages (1.24%)<ref name="LRT">{{cite report|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222|title=Census India Catalog|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151656/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222|url-status=live}}</ref> Various [[Variety (linguistics)|varieties]] of Tamil are spoken across regions such as [[Madras Bashai]] in northern Tamil Nadu, [[Kongu Tamil]] in [[Kongu Nadu|Western Tamil Nadu]], [[Madurai Tamil]] around Madurai and [[Nellai Tamil]] in South-eastern Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Smirnitskaya|first1=Anna|title=Diglossia and Tamil varieties in Chennai|journal=Acta Linguistica Petropolitana|date=March 2019|issue=3|pages=318–334|doi=10.30842/alp2306573714317|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331772782|access-date=4 November 2022|doi-access=free|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173206/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331772782_Diglossia_and_Tamil_varieties_in_Chennai|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inkl.com/news/several-dialects-of-tamil-and-10-mother-tongues-of-the-dravidian-family|title=Several dialects of Tamil|date=31 October 2023|work=Inkl|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224181431/https://www.inkl.com/news/several-dialects-of-tamil-and-10-mother-tongues-of-the-dravidian-family|url-status=live}}</ref> It is part of the [[Dravidian languages]] and preserves many features of [[Proto-Dravidian]], though modern-day spoken Tamil in Tamil Nadu freely uses [[loanword]]s from other languages such as [[Sanskrit]] and English.<ref>{{cite book|last=Southworth|first=Franklin C.|title=Linguistic archaeology of South Asia|publisher=Routledge|year=2005|isbn=978-0-415-33323-8|pages=129–132}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Krishnamurti|first=Bhadriraju|title=The Dravidian Languages|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|series = Cambridge Language Surveys|year=2003|isbn=978-0-521-77111-5|page=480}}</ref> [[Korean language|Korean]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/k-and-the-city-why-are-more-and-more-chennaiites-learning-korean/article25256267.ece|title=K and the city: Why are more and more Chennaiites learning Korean?|first=Sweta|last=Akundi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128030545/https://www.thehindu.com/society/k-and-the-city-why-are-more-and-more-chennaiites-learning-korean/article25256267.ece|archive-date=28 November 2020}}</ref> [[Japanese Language|Japanese]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/konnichiwa/article22157129.ece1|title=Konnichiwa!|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 September 2017|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020210354/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/konnichiwa/article22157129.ece1|archive-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> [[French language|French]],<ref name="FP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/21/how-many-tongues-can-you-speak-1776354.html|title=How many tongues can you speak?|website=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107191558/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/21/how-many-tongues-can-you-speak-1776354.html|archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref> [[Mandarin Chinese]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/how-mandarin-has-become-crucial-in-chennai/article25321543.ece|title=How Mandarin has become crucial in Chennai|first=Sweta|last=Akundi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203115726/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/how-mandarin-has-become-crucial-in-chennai/article25321543.ece|archive-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> [[German language|German]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guten-morgen-chennaiites-signing-up-for-german-lessons-on-the-rise/articleshow/64152188.cms|title=Guten Morgen! Chennaiites signing up for German lessons on the rise|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129115236/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guten-morgen-chennaiites-signing-up-for-german-lessons-on-the-rise/articleshow/64152188.cms|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> and [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] are spoken by foreign expatriates in the state.<ref name="FP"/>


== Education ==
===LGBT rights===
{{Main|Education in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Main article|LGBT rights in Tamil Nadu}}
The [[LGBT]] rights in Tamil Nadu are among the most progressive in [[India]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/lgbt-community-in-tamil-nadu-seeks-state-governments-support/|title=LGBT community in Tamil Nadu seeks state government's support|date=15 December 2013|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|access-date=3 July 2021|archive-date=27 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827081359/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/lgbt-community-in-tamil-nadu-seeks-state-governments-support/|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/lgbt-community-in-city-sees-sign-of-hope/article8185883.ece|title=LGBT community in city sees sign of hope|first1=Zubeda|last1=Hamid|date=3 February 2016|access-date=3 July 2021|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054046/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/lgbt-community-in-city-sees-sign-of-hope/article8185883.ece|url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008, Tamil Nadu set up the Transgender welfare board and was the first to introduce a transgender welfare policy, wherein transgender people can avail free [[sex reassignment surgery]] in government hospitals.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.undp.org/india/publications/case-tamil-nadu-transgender-welfare-board-insights-developing-practical-models-social-protection-programmes-transgender-people|title=The Case of Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board: Insights for Developing Practical Models of Social Protection Programmes for Transgender People in India|date=27 May 2013|publisher=[[United Nations]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224181431/https://www.undp.org/india/publications/case-tamil-nadu-transgender-welfare-board-insights-developing-practical-models-social-protection-programmes-transgender-people|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chennai Rainbow Pride]] has been held in Chennai annually since 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Menon|first1=Priya|title=A decade of Pride in Chennai|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/a-decade-of-pride-in-chennai/articleshow/64421312.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=3 July 2021|access-date=3 July 2021|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809145605/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/a-decade-of-pride-in-chennai/articleshow/64421312.cms|url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, Tamil Nadu became the first Indian state to ban conversion therapy and [[Intersex medical interventions|forced sex-selective surgeries on intersex infants]], following the directions of the Madras High&nbsp;Court.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/madras-hc-conversion-therapy-pride-month-b1861601.html%3famp|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/madras-hc-conversion-therapy-pride-month-b1861601.html%3famp|archive-date=26 May 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Indian state set to be the first to ban conversion therapy of LGBT+ individuals|first=Maroosha|last=Muzaffar|access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://theprint.in/features/lgbtq-india-asia-tamil-nadu-ban-sex-selective-surgeries-for-infants/284982/|title=1st in India & Asia, and 2nd globally, Tamil Nadu bans sex-selective surgeries for infants|newspaper=The Print|access-date=3 July 2021|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607025339/https://theprint.in/features/lgbtq-india-asia-tamil-nadu-ban-sex-selective-surgeries-for-infants/284982/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://theswaddle.com/tn-first-state-to-ban-sex-reassignment-surgery-on-intersex-babies/|title=Tamil Nadu Becomes First State to Ban So‑Called Corrective Surgery on Intersex Babies|work=The Swaddle|date=30 August 2019|access-date=3 July 2021|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803061033/https://theswaddle.com/tn-first-state-to-ban-sex-reassignment-surgery-on-intersex-babies/|url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, the Madras High Court ruled that the term "bride" under the [[Hindu Marriage Act, 1955]] includes trans-women, thereby legalizing marriage between a man and a transgender woman.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theleaflet.in/transgenders-have-marriage-rights-under-the-indian-constitution-says-madras-high-court/|title=Transgenders have marriage rights says Madras High Court|newspaper=leaflet|date=23 December 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224181432/https://theleaflet.in/transgenders-have-marriage-rights-under-the-indian-constitution-says-madras-high-court/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu is one of the most literate states in India.{{sfn|''The Times of India''|14 May 2003}} Tamil Nadu has performed reasonably well in terms of [[Literacy in India|literacy growth]] during the decade 2001–2011. A survey conducted by the Industry body Assocham ranks Tamil Nadu top among Indian states with about 100 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in primary and upper primary education. One of the basic limitations for improvement in education in the state is the rate of absence of teachers in public schools, which at 21.4 per cent is significant.{{sfn|Teachers absence in Indian schools|2008}} The analysis of primary school education in the state by [[Pratham]] shows a low drop-off rate but poor quality of state education compared to other states.{{sfn|''The Guardian''|15 March 2011}}
Tamil Nadu has [[List of universities in Tamil Nadu|37 universities]], [[List of engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu|552 engineering colleges]]<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.findcollegereviews.com/loc/tamil-nadu/ |title=List of Engineering colleges in Tamilnadu, January&nbsp;–31, 2015 |publisher=AICTE David |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105004131/http://www.findcollegereviews.com/loc/tamil-nadu/ |archivedate=5 January 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> 449 Polytechnic Colleges{{sfn|District wise Polytechnics|2011}} and 566 arts and science colleges, 34335 elementary schools, 5167 high schools, 5054 higher secondary schools and 5000 hospitals. Some of the notable educational institutes present in Tamil Nadu are [[Indian Institute of Technology Madras]], [[Madras Institute of Technology]], [[College of Engineering, Guindy]], [[Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli]], [[St. Joseph’s Institute of Management]] [[Tiruchirappalli]], [[Indian Maritime University]], [[National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli]], [[Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University]], [[Madras Medical College]], [[Madras Veterinary College]], [[Stanley Medical College]], Chennai, [[Loyola College, Chennai]], [[Ethiraj College for Women]], [[Stella Maris College, Chennai]], [[Anna University]], [[PSG College of Technology]], [[Government College of Technology, Coimbatore]], [[Bharathiar University]], Coimbatore and [[Tamil Nadu Agricultural University]], Coimbatore, [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute]].


==Culture and heritage==
Tamil Nadu now has 69 per cent reservation in educational institutions for socially backward section of the society, the highest among all Indian states.{{sfn|''rediff.com''|1 May 2006}} The [[Midday Meal Scheme]] programme in Tamil Nadu was first initiated by [[K. Kamaraj|Kamaraj]], then it was expanded by [[M G Ramachandran]] in 1983.
{{Main|Tamil culture}}


== Culture ==
===Clothing===
[[File:Kanchipuram sarees (7642282200).jpg|thumb|[[Kanchipuram silk sari]]s worn by women on special occasions]]
{{Main|Tamil people|Temples of Tamil Nadu|Tamil literature}}
Tamil women traditionally wear a ''[[sari]]'', a garment that consists of a drape varying from {{convert|5|to|9|yd|}} in length and {{convert|2|to|4|ft|}} in breadth that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff, as according to Indian philosophy, the navel is considered as the source of life and creativity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Boulanger|first=Chantal|title=Saris: An Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping|year=1997|publisher=Shakti Press International|location=New York|isbn=978-0-966-14961-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lynton|first=Linda|title=The Sari|year=1995|publisher=Harry N. Abrams, Incorporated|location=New York|isbn=978-0-810-94461-9}}</ref> Ancient Tamil poetry such as the ''Cilappadhikaram'', describes women in exquisite drapery or sari.<ref>{{cite book|last=Parthasarathy|first=R.|year=1993|title=The Tale of an Anklet: An Epic of South India – The Cilappatikaram of Ilanko Atikal, Translations from the Asian Classics|publisher=Columbia University Press|location=New York|isbn=978-0-231-07849-8}}</ref> Women wear colourful [[silk sari]]s on special occasions such as marriages.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sociology of Religion|first1=Susanne|last1=C. Monahan|first2= William|last2= Andrew Mirola|first3=Michael|last3= O. Emerson|publisher=Prentice Hall|year=2001|isbn=978-0-130-25380-4|page=83}}</ref> The men wear a ''[[dhoti]]'', a {{convert|4.5|m}} long, white rectangular piece of non-stitched cloth often bordered in brightly coloured stripes. It is usually wrapped around the waist and the legs and knotted at the waist.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/dhoti|title=About Dhoti|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313150055/http://www.britannica.com/topic/dhoti|url-status=live}}</ref> A colourful ''[[lungi]]'' with typical [[batik]] patterns is the most common form of male attire in the countryside.<ref name="Cloth">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/India/Clothing|title=Clothing in India|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=17 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317074255/http://www.britannica.com/place/India/Clothing|url-status=live}}</ref> People in urban areas generally wear tailored clothing, and western dress is popular. Western-style school uniforms are worn by both boys and girls in schools, even in rural areas.<ref name="Cloth"/> The [[Kanchipuram silk sari]] is a type of [[silk]] [[sari]] made in the [[Kanchipuram]] region in Tamil Nadu and these saris are worn as bridal and special occasion saris by most women in South India. It has been recognized as a [[Geographical indication]] by the Government of India in 2005{{ndash}}2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Weaving through the threads|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/weaving-through-threads-of-kancheepurams-history/article3264339.ece|access-date=7 March 2015|archive-date=14 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614090426/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/weaving-through-threads-of-kancheepurams-history/article3264339.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GI">{{cite report|url=https://ipindia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/Year_wise_GI_Application_Register_-_31-08-2023.pdf|title=Geographical indications of India|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=28 June 2023|archive-date=15 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015172118/https://ipindia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/Year_wise_GI_Application_Register_-_31-08-2023.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kovai Cora Cotton|Kovai Cora]] is a type of [[cotton]] sari made in the Coimbatore.<ref name="GI"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/31-ethnic-Indian-products-given-GI-protection-in-0708/292305|title=31 ethnic Indian products given|newspaper=Financial Express|access-date=28 June 2015|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173207/https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy-31-ethnic-Indian-products-given-GI-protection-in-0708-292305/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align = right
| width =
| image1 = Proposed Tamil Nadu Flag (DMK).png
| width1 = <!-- displayed width of image; overridden by "width" above -->
| alt1 =
| caption1 = A State flag for Tamil Nadu was unilaterally proposed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1970<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2017/jul/25/when-tamil-nadu-proposed-a-state-flag-nearly-five-decades-ago-1633170--1.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523100006/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2017/jul/25/when-tamil-nadu-proposed-a-state-flag-nearly-five-decades-ago-1633170--1.html |archive-date=23 May 2018 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


===Cuisine===
}}
[[File:South Indian food cuisine.jpg|thumb|A traditional meal served on a banana leaf]]
[[Rice]] is the diet staple and is served with ''[[Sambar (dish)|sambar]]'', ''[[Rasam (dish)|rasam]]'', and ''[[poriyal]]'' as a part of a Tamil meal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://faostat.fao.org/site/616/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=616#ancor|title=Food Balance Sheets and Crops Primary Equivalent|publisher=[[FAO]]|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-date=3 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003034113/http://faostat.fao.org/site/616/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=616#ancor|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Coconut]] and spices are used extensively in Tamil cuisine. The region has a rich cuisine involving both traditional non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes made of rice, [[legume]]s, and [[lentil]]s with its distinct aroma and flavour achieved by the blending of [[flavouring]]s and spices.<ref>{{cite book|last=Czarra|first=Fred|year=2009|title=Spices: A Global History|url=https://archive.org/details/spicesglobalhist0000czar|url-access=registration|publisher= Reaktion Books|page=[https://archive.org/details/spicesglobalhist0000czar/page/128 128]|isbn=978-1-861-89426-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Dalby|first=Andrew|title=Dangerous Tastes: The Story of Spices|publisher=Berkeley: University of California Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0-520-23674-5}}</ref> The traditional way of eating a meal involves being seated on the floor, having the food served on a [[banana leaf]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Advancing banana and plantain R & D in Asia and the Pacific|page=84|last1=Molina|first1=A.B.|last2=Roa|first2=V.N.|last3=Van den Bergh|first3=I.|last4=Maghuyop|first4=M.A.|publisher=Biodiversity International|year=2000|isbn=978-9-719-17513-1}}</ref> and using clean fingers of the right hand to take the food into the mouth.<ref>{{cite book|title=India: The Culture|first=Bobbie|last=Kalman|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|year=2009|page=29|isbn=978-0-778-79287-1}}</ref> After the meal, the fingers are washed; the easily degradable banana leaf is discarded or becomes fodder for cattle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iskconhighertaste.com/bananaleaf_sattvic.html|title=Serving on a banana leaf|publisher=ISCKON|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531220859/http://iskconhighertaste.com/bananaleaf_sattvic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eating on banana leaves is a custom thousands of years old, imparts a unique flavor to the food, and is considered healthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/the-benefits-of-eating-food-on-banana-leaves-242512.html|title=The Benefits of Eating Food on Banana Leaves|work=India Times|date=9 March 2015|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041415/http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/the-benefits-of-eating-food-on-banana-leaves-242512.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Idli]]'', ''[[Dosa (food)|dosa]]'', ''[[uthappam]]'', ''[[Pongal (dish)|pongal]]'', and ''[[paniyaram]]'' are popular breakfast dishes in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite book|first=K.T.|last=Achaya|title=The Story of Our Food|date=1 November 2003|publisher=Universities Press|isbn=978-8-173-71293-7|page=80}}</ref> [[Palani Panchamirtham]], [[Ooty varkey]], [[Chikki|Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai]], [[Manapparai Murukku]] and [[Khoa|Srivilliputhur Palkova]] are unique foods that have been recognised as [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical Indications]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://ipindia.gov.in/registered-gls.htm|title=Geographical indications in India|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203233006/https://ipindia.gov.in/registered-gls.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Literature===
[[File:அரிய சித்தன்னவாசல் ஒவியம் (Rare Siththanna Vaasal Painting).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Seventh century paintings in the [[Sittanavasal Cave]], [[Pudukottai]]]]
[[File:The Hindu Sage Agastya.jpg|thumb|upright|Sculpture of Sage [[Agastya]]]]
Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of venerable culture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.tricolorvoyages.com/the-state-where-modernity-meets-culture-tamil-nadu/ |title=The state where modernity meets culture |publisher=blog.tricolorvoyages.com |date=4 August 2015 |access-date=4 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808013721/http://blog.tricolorvoyages.com/the-state-where-modernity-meets-culture-tamil-nadu/ |archive-date=8 August 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Tamil Nadu is known for its rich tradition of literature, art, music and dance which continue to flourish today. Tamil Nadu is a land most known for its monumental ancient Hindu temples and classical form of dance [[Bharata Natyam]].<ref>{{cite book |title=21st Century India: View and Vision |page=320 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=RwR59-o19T0C&pg=PA320&dq=tamilnadu+land+of+hindu+temples#v=onepage&q=tamilnadu%20land%20of%20hindu%20temples&f=false|isbn=9788182202696 |last1=Thakur |first1=A. P. |last2=Pandey |first2=Sunil |year=2009 }}</ref> Unique cultural features like [[Bharatanatyam]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilnadu.com/arts/bharatanatyam.html |title=Tamilnadu&nbsp;– The Dance of Celestial Deities |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325161952/http://tamilnadu.com/arts/bharatanatyam.html |archive-date=25 March 2014 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> (dance), [[Tanjore painting]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilnadu.com/arts/thanjavur-painting.html |title=Thanjavur Painting&nbsp;– Tamil Art |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=18 January 2013 |access-date=15 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718192226/http://tamilnadu.com/arts/thanjavur-painting.html |archive-date=18 July 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and [[Dravidian architecture|Tamil architecture]] were developed and continue to be practised in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu has an independent [[Tamil literature|literary]] tradition dating back over 2500 years from the Sangam era.<ref name="Zvelebil"/> Early Tamil literature was composed in three successive poetic assemblies known as the [[Tamil Sangams]], the earliest of which, according to legend, were held on a now vanished [[Kumari Kandam|continent]] far to the south of India.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1353/asi.2003.0031|title=Chera, Chola, Pandya: Using Archaeological Evidence to Identify the Tamil Kingdoms of Early Historic South India|journal=Asian Perspectives|volume=42|issue=2|page=207|year=2003|last1=Abraham|first1=S. A.|s2cid=153420843|hdl=10125/17189|url=http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/10125/17189/1/AP-v42n2-207-223.pdf|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903211259/https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/10125/17189/1/AP-v42n2-207-223.pdf|archive-date=3 September 2019|url-status=live|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Ramaswamy|first=Sumathi|title=The Lost Land of Lemuria: Fabulous Geographies, Catastrophic Histories|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elYyJuYuAhwC&pg=PP1|year=2004|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-24032-2|pages=131, 156}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Jayakaran, S. C.|year=2004|url=http://www.indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/ifrj/article/download/178/183|title=Lost Land and the Myth of Kumari Kandam|journal=Indian Folklore Research Journal|volume=1|issue=4|pages=94–109|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627202742/http://www.indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/ifrj/article/download/178/183|url-status=dead}}</ref> This includes the oldest grammatical treatise, ''[[Tolkāppiyam|Tolkappiyam]]'', and the epics ''Cilappatikaram'' and ''[[Manimekalai]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Women and Farm Work in Tamil Folk Songs|year=1993|first=Vijaya|last=Ramaswamy|volume=21|issue=9/11|pages=113–129|doi= 10.2307/3520429|quote=As early as the Tolkappiyam (which has sections ranging from the 3rd century BCE to the 5th century CE) the eco-types in South India have been classified into|journal=Social Scientist|jstor=3520429}}</ref> The earliest [[Epigraphy|epigraphic]] records found on rock edicts and ''[[hero stone]]s'' date from around the 3rd century BCE.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/2943246|jstor=2943246|title=The Beginnings of Civilization in South India|journal=The Journal of Asian Studies|volume=29|issue=3|pages=603–616|year=1970|last1=Maloney|first1=C.|s2cid=162291987}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.2307/2053325|jstor=2053325|title=Circulation and the Historical Geography of Tamil Country|journal=The Journal of Asian Studies|volume=37|issue=1|pages=7–26|year=1977|last1=Stein|first1=B.|s2cid=144599197}}</ref> The available literature from the Sangam period was categorised and compiled into two categories based roughly on chronology: the [[Eighteen Greater Texts|Patiṉeṇmēlkaṇakku]] consisting of [[Ettuthokai|Eṭṭuttokai]] and the [[Pattupattu]], and the [[Eighteen Lesser Texts|Patiṉeṇkīḻkaṇakku]]. The existent Tamil grammar is largely based on the 13th-century grammar book ''{{IAST|Naṉṉūl}}'' based on the ''Tolkāppiyam.'' Tamil grammar consists of five parts, namely ''{{IAST|eḻuttu}}'', ''sol'', ''{{IAST|poruḷ}}'', ''yāppu'', ''{{IAST|aṇi}}''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southasia.upenn.edu/tamil/lit.html|title=Five fold grammar of Tamil|work=University of Pennsylvania|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609115617/http://www.southasia.upenn.edu/tamil/lit.html|archive-date=9 June 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Giovanni Ciotti|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352695179|title=Tamil Ilakkaṇam ('Grammar') and the Interplay between Syllabi, Corpora and Manuscripts|date=June 2021|doi=10.1515/9783110741124-016|pages=315–352|isbn=978-3-11-074112-4 |access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082621/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352695179_Tamil_Ilakkanam_'Grammar'_and_the_Interplay_between_Syllabi_Corpora_and_Manuscripts|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Tirukkural]]'', a book on ethics by [[Thiruvalluvar]], is amongst the most popular works of Tamil literature.<ref>{{cite book|first=M. S. Purnalingam|last=Pillai|title=Tamil literature|publisher=Asian Education Service|date=1994|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-8-120-60955-6|page=73}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Arts Archives&nbsp;– Tamilnadu |url=http://tamilnadu.com/category/arts |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=23 January 2013 |access-date=31 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131113122/http://tamilnadu.com/category/arts |archive-date=31 January 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


In the early medieval period, [[Vaishnava]] and [[Saiva|Shaiva]] literature became prominent following the [[Bhakti movement]] in the sixth century CE with hymns composed by the [[Alwars|Alvars]] and the [[Nayanmars|Nayanars]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Pillai|first=P. Govinda|title=The Bhakti Movement: Renaissance or Revivalism?|date=4 October 2022|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-000-78039-0|quote=Thirdly, the movement had blossomed first down south or the Tamil country|chapter=Chapter 11}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Padmaja|first=T.|title=Temples of Kr̥ṣṇa in South India: History, Art, and Traditions in Tamil nāḍu|date=2002|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-8-170-17398-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Nair|first1=Rukmini Bhaya|title=Keywords for India: A Conceptual Lexicon for the 21st Century|last2=de Souza|first2=Peter Ronald|year=2020|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-350-03925-4|page=208}}</ref> In the following years, Tamil literature again flourished with notable works including [[Ramavataram]], written in the 12th century CE by [[Kambar (poet)|Kambar]].<ref>{{cite book|author=P S Sundaram|title=Kamba Ramayana|date=3 May 2002|publisher=Penguin Books Limited|isbn=978-9-351-18100-2|pages=18–}}</ref> After a lull in the intermediate years due to various invasions and instability, the Tamil literature recovered in the 14th century CE, with the notable work being ''[[Tiruppukal]]'' by [[Arunagirinathar]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bergunder|first1=Michael|title=Ritual, Caste, and Religion in Colonial South India|last2=Frese|first2=Heiko|last3=Schröder|first3=Ulrike|date=2011|publisher=Primus Books|isbn=978-9-380-60721-4|page=107}}</ref> In 1578, the Portuguese published a Tamil book in old Tamil script named ''Thambiraan Vanakkam'', thus making Tamil the first Indian language to be printed and published.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-saw-its-first-book-in-1578/article476102.ece|title=Tamil saw its first book in 1578|author=Karthik Madhavan|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101181012/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-saw-its-first-book-in-1578/article476102.ece|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live|date=21 June 2010}}</ref> ''[[Tamil Lexicon]]'', published by the [[University of Madras]], is the first among the [[dictionary|dictionaries]] published in any Indian language.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kolappan|first=B.|title=Delay, howlers in Tamil Lexicon embarrass scholars|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|date=22 June 2014|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/delay-howlers-in-tamil-lexicon-embarrass-scholars/article6138747.ece|access-date=25 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704063848/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/delay-howlers-in-tamil-lexicon-embarrass-scholars/article6138747.ece|archive-date=4 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The 19th century gave rise to the [[Tamil Renaissance]] and writings and poems by authors such as [[Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai]], [[U.V.Swaminatha Iyer|U.V. Swaminatha Iyer]], [[Ramalinga Adigal|Ramalinga Swamigal]], [[Maraimalai Adigal]], and [[Bharathidasan]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The embodiment of bhakti|author=Karen Prechilis|pages=8|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-195-12813-0|year=1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Tamil Renaissance and the Dravidian Movement, 1905-1944|first=K. Nambi|last=Arooran|publisher=Koodal|year=1980}}</ref> During the [[Indian Independence Movement]], many Tamil poets and writers sought to provoke national spirit, social equity and secularist thoughts, notably [[Subramania Bharati]] and Bharathidasan.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.jlls.org/index.php/jlls/article/download/5312/1872|title=Bharathiyar Who Impressed Bharatidasan|journal=Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies|access-date=1 December 2023|issn=1305-578X|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224200602/https://www.jlls.org/index.php/jlls/article/download/5312/1872|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Literature ===
[[Tamil literature|Tamil written literature]] has existed for over 2000 years.<ref name="companion">{{Harvnb|Zvelebil|1992|p=12}}: "...the most acceptable periodisation which has so far been suggested for the development of Tamil writing seems to me to be that of A Chidambaranatha Chettiar (1907–1967): 1. Sangam Literature – 200BC to AD 200; 2. Post Sangam literature – AD 200 – AD 600; 3. Early Medieval literature – AD 600 to AD 1200; 4. Later Medieval literature – AD 1200 to AD 1800; 5. Pre-Modern literature – AD 1800 to 1900"</ref> The earliest period of Tamil literature, [[Sangam literature]], is dated from ca. 300 BC – AD 300.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100707000020/http://www.ciil-classicaltamil.org/project1.html Definitive Editions of Ancient Tamil Works]. Classical Tamil, Government of India</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |doi=10.1353/asi.2003.0031 |title=Chera, Chola, Pandya: Using Archaeological Evidence to Identify the Tamil Kingdoms of Early Historic South India |journal=Asian Perspectives |volume=42 |issue=2 |page=207 |year=2003 |last1=Abraham |first1=S. A.|hdl=10125/17189 }}</ref> It is the [[List of languages by first written accounts|oldest Indian literature]] amongst all others.<ref name="Circulation and the Historical Geog">{{Cite journal |doi=10.2307/2053325 |jstor=2053325 |title=Circulation and the Historical Geography of Tamil Country |journal=The Journal of Asian Studies |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=7–26 |year=1977 |last1=Stein |first1=B.}}</ref> The earliest [[Epigraphy|epigraphic]] records found on rock edicts and ''[[hero stone]]s'' date from around the 3rd century BC.<ref name="Maloney1970">{{Cite journal |doi=10.2307/2943246 |jstor=2943246 |title=The Beginnings of Civilization in South India |journal=The Journal of Asian Studies |volume=29 |issue=3 |pages=603–616 |year=1970 |last1=Maloney |first1=C.}} at p. 610</ref><ref name="Palani">{{Citation |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2408091.ece |title=Palani excavation triggers fresh debate |last=Subramaniam |first=T.S |date=29 August 2011 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India |access-date=8 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908080611/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article2408091.ece |archive-date=8 September 2011 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


===Architecture===
Most early Tamil literary works are in verse form, with prose not becoming more common until later periods. The Sangam literature collection contains 2381 poems composed by 473 poets, some 102 of whom remain anonymous.<ref>George L. Hart III, ''The Poems of Ancient Tamil,'' U of California P, 1975.</ref> Sangam literature is primarily secular, dealing with everyday themes in a [[Tamilakam]] context.<ref>The only religious poems among the shorter poems occur in ''[[paripaatal]]''. The rest of the corpus of Sangam literature deals with human relationship and emotions. See K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, ''A History of South India, OUP (1955) pp. 330–335</ref> The Sangam literature also deals with human relationship and emotions.{{sfn|Sastri|2008|pp=330–335}} The available literature from this period was categorised and compiled in the 10th century into two categories based roughly on chronology. The categories are: [[Pathinenmaelkanakku]] (''The Major Eighteen Anthology Series'') comprising [[Ettuthokai|Eṭṭuttokai]] (''The Eight Anthologies'') and the [[Pattupattu]] (''Ten Idylls'') and [[Pathinenkilkanakku]] (''The Minor Eighteen Anthology Series'').
{{Further|Architecture of Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Andal Temple.jpg|thumb|The large ''[[gopuram]]'' is a hallmark of [[Dravidian architecture]]]]
[[Dravidian architecture]] is the distinct style of rock architecture in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="Hindu">{{cite book|last=Harman|first=William P.|title=The sacred marriage of a Hindu goddess|date=9 October 1992|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|page=6|isbn=978-8-1208-0810-2}}</ref> In Dravidian architecture, the temples consisted of porches or ''mantapas'' preceding the door leading to the sanctum, gate-pyramids or ''[[gopuram]]s'' in quadrangular enclosures that surround the temple, and ''pillared halls'' used for many purposes. These features are the invariable accompaniments of these temples. Besides these, a South Indian temple usually has a [[temple tank|tank]] called the ''kalyani'' or ''pushkarni''.<ref>{{cite book|last= Fergusson|first= James|title= History of Indian and Eastern Architecture|orig-date= 1910|edition= 3rd|year= 1997|publisher=Low Price Publications|location= New Delhi|page= 309}}</ref> The gopuram is a monumental tower, usually ornate at the entrance of the temple forms a prominent feature of [[koil]]s and [[Hindu temple architecture|Hindu temples]] of the Dravidian style.<ref name="Gopuram">{{cite book|first=Francis D.K.|last= Ching|year= 2007|title= A Global History of Architecture|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|location=New York|isbn=978-0-471-26892-5|page=762|display-authors=etal}}</ref> They are topped by the ''kalasam'', a bulbous stone [[finial]] and function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.<ref>{{cite book|first=Francis D.K.|last= Ching|year= 1995|title= A Visual Dictionary of Architecture|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|location=New York|isbn=978-0-471-28451-2|page=253}}</ref> The gopuram's origins can be traced back to the [[Pallava art and architecture|Pallavas]] who built the group of monuments in [[Mahabalipuram]] and [[Kanchipuram]].<ref name="UNC">{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249|title=Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202145914/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Chola art and architecture|Cholas]] later expanded the same and by the [[Pandyan art and architecture|Pandya]] rule in twelfth century, these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple's outer appearance.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mitchell|first=George|title=The Hindu Temple|publisher=University of Chicago Press|year=1988|location=Chicago|pages= 151&ndash;153|isbn=978-0-226-53230-1}}</ref><ref name="Brit">{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9037402/gopura|title=Gopuram|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=20 January 2008|archive-date=19 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819003114/https://www.britannica.com/technology/gopura|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Emblem of Tamil Nadu|state emblem]] also features the [[Lion Capital of Ashoka]] with an image of a Gopuram on the background.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Which-Tamil-Nadu-temple-is-the-state-emblem/articleshow/55285143.cms|title=Which Tamil Nadu temple is the state emblem?|date=7 November 2016|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=20 January 2018|archive-date=12 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112160826/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Which-Tamil-Nadu-temple-is-the-state-emblem/articleshow/55285143.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Vimana (architectural feature)|Vimanam]]'' are similar structures built over the ''[[garbhagriha]]'' or inner sanctum of the temple but are usually smaller than the gopurams in the Dravidian architecture with a few exceptions including the [[Brihadisvara Temple]] in [[Thanjavur]].<ref>{{cite book|author=S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|title = Middle Chola Temples|publisher=Thomson Press|year=1975|isbn=978-9-060-23607-9|pages=16–29}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Neela|first1=N.|last2=Ambrosia|first2=G.|title=Vimana architecture under the Cholas|journal=Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science & Humanities|date=April 2016|volume=3|issue=4|page=57|url=https://www.shanlax.com/wp-content/uploads/SIJ_ASH_V3_N4_008.pdf|access-date=5 July 2019|issn=2321-788X|archive-date=5 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705140824/https://www.shanlax.com/wp-content/uploads/SIJ_ASH_V3_N4_008.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


The [[Mugal Empire|Mugal]] influence in medieval times and the [[British Empire|British]] influence later gave rise to a blend of [[Hindu]], [[Islamic]] and [[Gothic revival]] styles, resulting in the distinct [[Indo-Saracenic]] architecture. Several buildings and institutions built during the British era followed the style.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Metcalfe|first=Thomas R.|title=A Tradition Created: Indo-Saracenic Architecture under the Raj|journal=History Today|volume=32|issue=9|url=http://www.historytoday.com/thomas-r-metcalfe/tradition-created-indo-saracenic-architecture-under-raj|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230153/https://www.historytoday.com/thomas-r-metcalfe/tradition-created-indo-saracenic-architecture-under-raj|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Indo-saracenic Architecture|work=Henry Irwin, Architect in India, 1841–1922|publisher=higman.de|url=http://www.higman.de/Henry%20Irwin/indo-saracenic.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730131008/http://www.higman.de/Henry%20Irwin/indo-saracenic.htm|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> By the early 20th century, [[art deco]] made its entry in the urban landscape.<ref>{{cite news|title=Art Deco Style Remains, But Elements Missing|date=2 September 2014|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/sep/02/art-deco-style-remains-but-elements-missing-655242.html|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208132502/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/sep/02/Art-Deco-Style-Remains-But-Elements-Missing-655242.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After Indian Independence, Tamil architecture witnessed a rise in [[Modernism]] with the transition from lime-and-brick construction to [[concrete]] columns.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai looks to the skies|location=Chennai|date=31 October 2014|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/Five-years-after-the-CMDA-allowed-buildings-to-go-above-60-metres-Chennai%E2%80%99s-skyline-finally-begins-to-look-up-finds-Vishal-Menon/article60348870.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208132503/https://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/Five-years-after-the-CMDA-allowed-buildings-to-go-above-60-metres-Chennai%E2%80%99s-skyline-finally-begins-to-look-up-finds-Vishal-Menon/article60348870.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
Much of Tamil grammar is extensively described in the oldest known grammar book for Tamil, the ''[[Tolkāppiyam]]''. Modern Tamil writing is largely based on the 1000 B.C grammar ''{{IAST|Naṉṉūl}}'' which restated and clarified the rules of the ''Tolkāppiyam'', with some modifications. Traditional Tamil grammar consists of five parts, namely ''{{IAST|eḻuttu}}'', ''sol'', ''{{IAST|poruḷ}}'', ''yāppu'', ''{{IAST|aṇi}}''. Of these, the last two are mostly applied in poetry.<ref name="five_parts_grammar">{{Citation |url=http://www.southasia.upenn.edu/tamil/lit.html |title=Five fold grammar of Tamil |work=University of Pennsylvania |access-date=8 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609115617/http://www.southasia.upenn.edu/tamil/lit.html |archive-date=9 June 2007 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Notable example of Tamil poetry include the ''[[Tirukkural]]'' written by [[Tiruvalluvar]] before 2000 years.


===Arts===
In 1578, the Portuguese published a Tamil book in old Tamil script named 'Thambiraan Vanakkam', thus making Tamil the first Indian language to be printed and published.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-saw-its-first-book-in-1578/article476102.ece |title=Tamil saw its first book in 1578 |author=Karthik Madhavan |work=The Hindu |access-date=8 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101181012/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-saw-its-first-book-in-1578/article476102.ece |archive-date=1 January 2016 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ''[[Tamil Lexicon]]'', published by the [[University of Madras]], is the first among the [[dictionary|dictionaries]] published in any Indian language.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |title=Delay, howlers in Tamil Lexicon embarrass scholars |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=22 June 2014 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/delay-howlers-in-tamil-lexicon-embarrass-scholars/article6138747.ece |accessdate=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704063848/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/delay-howlers-in-tamil-lexicon-embarrass-scholars/article6138747.ece |archive-date=4 July 2014 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> During the [[Indian independence movement|Indian freedom struggle]], many Tamil poets and writers sought to provoke national spirit, social equity and secularist thoughts among the common man, notably [[Subramanya Bharathy]] and [[Bharathidasan]].
{{Further|Dance forms of Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Bharata_Natyam_Performance_DS.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|[[Bharata Natyam|Bharatanatyam]] is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest dances of India.]]
Tamil Nadu is a major centre for music, art and dance in India.<ref>{{cite book|title=Global Soundtracks: Worlds of Film Music|first=Mark|last=Slobin|isbn=978-0-819-56882-3|year=2008|page=140|publisher=Wesleyan University Press}}</ref> Chennai is called the cultural capital of South India.<ref>{{cite book|first=Rina|last=Kamath|title=Chennai|year=2000|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-250-1378-5|page=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA66|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082657/https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Sangam era, art forms were classified into: ''iyal'' (poetry), ''isai'' (music) and ''nadakam'' (drama).<ref>{{cite book|title=Delights and Disquiets of Leisure in Premodern India|year=2023|isbn=978-9-394-70128-1|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|first=Seema|last=Bahwa}}</ref> [[Bharata Natyam|Bharatanatyam]] is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest dances of India.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|title=World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures|publisher=Oxford University Press|first=Peter|last=Fletcher|isbn=978-0-19-816636-8|date=29 April 2004|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703055734/https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=|title=India's Dances Their History, Technique, and Repertoire|last=Massey|first=Reginald|year=2004|isbn=978-8-170-17434-9|publisher=Abhinav|location=New Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Samson|first=Leela|title=Rhythm in Joy: Classical Indian Dance Traditions|year=1987|publisher=Lustre Press|location=New Delhi|page=29|isbn=978-9-9919-4155-4}}</ref> Other regional folk dances include [[Karakattam]], [[Kavadi]], [[Koodiyattam]], [[Oyilattam]], [[Parai Attam|Paraiattam]] and [[Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam|Puravaiattam]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Handbook of Tamil Culture and Heritage|year=2000|publisher=International Tamil Language Foundation|location=Chicago|page=1201}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Banerjee|first=Projesh|title=Indian Ballet Dancing|date=1 February 1989|publisher=Abhinav Publications|location=New Jersey|page=43|isbn=978-8-170-17175-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Bowers|first=Faubion|title=The Dance in India|date=June 1953|publisher=AMS Press|location=New York|pages=13–15|isbn=978-0-4040-0963-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Fairs and Festivals of India|volume=2|first1=Madan Prasad|last1=Bezbaruah|first2=Krishna|last2=Gopal|year=2003|isbn=978-8-1212-0809-3|page=286|publisher=Gyan Publishing House}}</ref> The dance, clothing, and sculptures of Tamil Nadu exemplify the beauty of the body and motherhood.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Beck|first=Brenda|year=1976|title=The Symbolic Merger of Body, Space, and Cosmos in Hindu Tamil Nadu|journal=Contributions to Indian Sociology|volume=10|issue=2|pages=213–243|doi=10.1177/006996677601000202|s2cid=143220583}}</ref> [[Koothu]] is an ancient folk art, where artists tell stories from the epics accompanied by dance and music.<ref>{{cite book|title=Masks and Performance with Everyday Materials|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c4XWU6kr1_UC|author1=Gita Wolf|author2=Va Kītā|author3=V. Geetha|author4=Anushka Ravishankar|year=2003|isbn=978-8-186-21147-2|publisher=Tara Publishing|page=37|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082652/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Masks_and_Performance_with_Everyday_Mate/c4XWU6kr1_UC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Land and people of Indian states and union territories|last1=Bhargava|first1=Gopal K.|last2=Shankarlal|first2=Bhatt|year=2006|publisher=Kalpaz Publications|location=Delhi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wyCoMKZmRBoC&q=thevaram&pg=PA467|isbn=978-8-178-35381-4|access-date=6 February 2024|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173140/https://books.google.com/books?id=wyCoMKZmRBoC&q=thevaram&pg=PA467#v=snippet&q=thevaram&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>


The ancient Tamil country had its own [[Ancient Tamil music|system of music]] called Tamil Pannisai described by Sangam literature such as the ''Silappatikaram''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nijenhuis|first=Emmie te|title=Indian Music: History and Structure|publisher=Brill|place=Leiden|year=1974|isbn=978-9-004-03978-0|pages=4–5}}</ref> A [[Pallavas|Pallava]] inscription dated to the 7th century CE has one of the earliest surviving examples of Indian music in notation.<ref>{{cite book|last=Widdess|first=D. R.|contribution=The Kudumiyamalai inscription: a source of early Indian music in notation|editor-last=Picken|editor-first=Laurence|title=Musica Asiatica|volume=2|place=London|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1979|pages=115–150}}</ref> There are many traditional instruments from the region dating back to the Sangam period such as [[parai]], [[tharai]], [[yazh]] and [[murasu]].<ref>{{cite book|title=When the Kurinji Blooms|first=Rājam|last=Kiruṣṇan̲|year=2002|page=124|isbn=978-8-125-01619-9|publisher=Orient BlackSwan}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Handbook of Applied Ethnomusicology|year=2015|isbn=978-0-199-35171-8|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=370|editor1=Jeff Todd Titon|editor2=Svanibor Pettan}}</ref> [[Nadaswaram]], a [[reed instrument]] that is often accompanied by the [[thavil]], a type of [[drum instrument]], are the major musical instruments used in temples and weddings.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sound of Indian Music|first=Ganavya|last=Doraisamy|date=5 August 2014|isbn=978-1-3045-0409-8|publisher=Lulu|page=35}}</ref> [[Melam]] is a group of [[Madhalam|Maddalam]]s and other similar percussion instruments from the ancient Tamilakam which are played during events.<ref name="AA"/> The traditional music of Tamil Nadu is known as [[Carnatic music]], which includes rhythmic and structured music by composers such as [[Muthuswami Dikshitar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/Karnatak-music|title=Karnatak music|publisher=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307064333/https://www.britannica.com/art/Karnatak-music|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gaana]], a combination of various folk musics, is sung mainly in the working-class area of North Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Torching prejudice through gumption and Gaana|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/101019/torching-prejudice-through-gumption-and-gaana.html|last=G|first=Ezekiel Majello|date=10 October 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=12 May 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206015436/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/101019/torching-prejudice-through-gumption-and-gaana.html|archive-date=6 December 2020}}</ref>
=== Festivals and traditions ===
[[File:Preparation of Pongal.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Thai Pongal|Pongal]] is an important festival in Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:Thirukkural-recommended.jpeg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Thiruvalluvar]] was the great Tamil poet and philosopher]]
[[Pongal]], also called as ''Tamizhar Thirunaal'' (festival of Tamils) or Makara Sankranti elsewhere in India, a four-day [[harvest festival]] is one of the most widely celebrated festivals throughout Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilnadu.com/arts/pongal.html |title=Pongal&nbsp;– Tamil festival |publisher=Tamilnadu.com |date=4 February 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208233319/http://tamilnadu.com/arts/pongal.html |archivedate=8 February 2014}}</ref> The Tamil language saying ''Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum''&nbsp;– literally meaning, the birth of the month of Thai will pave way for new opportunities&nbsp;– is often quoted with reference to this festival. The first day, Bhogi Pongal, is celebrated by throwing away and destroying old clothes and materials by setting them on fire to mark the end of the old and emergence of the new. The second day, Surya Pongal, is the main day which falls on the first day of the tenth Tamil month Thai (14 January or 15 January in western calendar). The third day, Maattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cattle, as they provide milk and are used to plough the lands. [[Jallikattu]], a bull taming contest, marks the main event of this day. [[Alanganallur]] is famous for its Jallikattu<ref>{{cite web |author=Alanganallur-Jallikattu |url=http://shadowchief.com/alanganallur-jallikattu/ |title=Alanganallur-Jallikattu, Madurai, Tamil Nadu |publisher=Shadow Chief |accessdate=23 September 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927220438/http://shadowchief.com/alanganallur-jallikattu/ |archivedate=27 September 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/alanganallur |work=The Times of India |title=Alanganallur |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061127035608/http://www.cwet.tn.nic.in/html/information_isw.html |archivedate=27 November 2006}}</ref> contest usually held on 3rd day of Pongal. During this final day, Kaanum Pongal&nbsp;– the word "kaanum", means 'to view' in Tamil. In 2011 the [[Madras High Court]] Bench ordered the cockfight at Santhapadi and Modakoor Melbegam villages permitted during the Pongal festival while disposing of a petition filed attempting to ban the cockfight.{{sfn|''The Hindu''|14 January 2011}}
The first month in the Tamil calendar is Chittirai and the first day of this month in mid-April is celebrated as ''Tamil New Year''. The Thiruvalluvar calendar is 31 years ahead of the [[Gregorian calendar]], i.e. Gregorian 2000 is Thiruvalluvar 2031. Aadi Perukku is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month ''Aadi'', which celebrates the rising of the water level in the river [[Kaveri]]. Apart from the major festivals, in every village and town of Tamil Nadu, the inhabitants celebrate festivals for the local gods once a year and the time varies from place to place. Most of these festivals are related to the goddess [[Maariyamman]], the mother goddess of rain. Other major Hindu festivals including [[Deepavali]] (Death of Narakasura), Ayudha Poojai, Saraswathi Poojai ([[Navratri|Dasara]]), [[Krishna]] Jayanthi and [[Vinayaka Chathurthi]] are also celebrated. [[Eid ul-Fitr]], [[Bakrid]], [[Milad un Nabi]], [[Aashurah|Muharram]] are celebrated by Muslims whereas [[Christmas]], [[Good Friday]], [[Easter]] are celebrated by Christians in the state. Mahamagam a bathing festival at [[Kumbakonam]] in Tamil Nadu is celebrated once in 12 years. People from all the corners of the country come to [[Kumbakonam]] for the festival. This festival is also called as Kumbamela of South.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahamagam Festival |url=http://blessingsonthenet.com/indian-festival/festival/id/227/mahamagam-festival/ |access-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209192800/http://blessingsonthenet.com/indian-festival/festival/id/227/mahamagam-festival/ |archive-date=9 February 2014 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Fairs and Festivals of India |page=326 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=jAbgAAAAMAAJ&q=maha+magam&dq=maha+magam|last1=Bezbaruah |first1=Madan Prasad |last2=Krishna Gopal |first2=Dr |last3=Girota |first3=Phal S. |year=2003 }}</ref>


[[File:Madras_museum_theatre_in_October_2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]] in Chennai, the second oldest museum in India]]
=== Music ===
{{See also|Ancient Tamil music|Carnatic music}}
[[File:Ms subbulakshmi 140x190.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[M. S. Subbulakshmi]], was the first musician to be awarded the [[Bharat Ratna]], India's highest civilian honour]]


The state is home to many museums, galleries, and other institutions which engage in arts research and are major tourist attractions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/jaya-moots-a-global-arts-fest/articleshow/17633409.cms|title=CM moots a global arts fest in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 December 2012|access-date=29 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208140112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/jaya-moots-a-global-arts-fest/articleshow/17633409.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Established in the early 18th century, the [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]] and the [[National Art Gallery, Chennai|National Art Gallery]] are amongst the oldest in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/education/college-and-university/for-a-solid-grounding-in-arts/article2042038.ece|title=For a solid grounding in arts|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 April 2009|access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref> The museum inside the premises of Fort St. George maintains a collection of objects of the British era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asi.nic.in/museum-fort-st-geroge-chennai/|title=Fort St. George museum|publisher=[[Archaeological Survey of India]]|access-date=12 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201063923/https://asi.nic.in/museum-fort-st-geroge-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum is managed by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]], and has in its possession the first [[Flag of India]] hoisted at [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St George]] after the declaration of India's Independence on [[Independence Day (India)|15 August 1947]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian tri-colour hoisted at Chennai in 1947 to be on display|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/Indian-tricolour-hoisted-at-Chennai-in-1947-to-be-on-display/article20567638.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407182137/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/Indian-tricolour-hoisted-at-Chennai-in-1947-to-be-on-display/article20567638.ece|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
In terms of modern cine-music, [[Ilaiyaraaja]] was a prominent composer of film music in Tamil cinema during the late 1970s and 1980s. His work highlighted Tamil folk lyricism and introduced broader western musical sensibilities to the south Indian musical mainstream. Tamil Nadu is also the home of the double Oscar Winner [[A.R. Rahman]]{{sfn|''The Times of India''|23 February 2009}}{{sfn|''BBC News''|23 February 2009}}{{sfn|''The Economic Times''|23 February 2009}} who has composed film music in [[Tamil films|Tamil]], [[Telugu films|Telugu]], [[Bollywood|Hindi films]], English and Chinese films. He was once referred to by [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]] as "The [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]] of [[Chennai|Madras]]".


Tamil Nadu is also home to the Tamil film industry nicknamed as "Kollywood" and is one of the largest industries of film production in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tamil-leads-as-India-tops-film-production/articleshow/21967065.cms|title=Tamil Nadu leads in film production|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 August 2013|access-date=25 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116192759/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tamil-leads-as-India-tops-film-production/articleshow/21967065.cms|archive-date=16 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Business Standard|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/tamil-telugu-film-industries-outshine-bollywood/238821/|title=Tamil, Telugu film industries outshine Bollywood|date=25 January 2006|access-date=19 February 2012|last1=Bureau|first1=Our Regional|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325024848/https://www.business-standard.com/article/Companies/Tamil-Telugu-film-industries-outshine-Bollywood-106012501034_1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The term ''Kollywood'' is a blend of [[Kodambakkam]] and Hollywood.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hiro|first=Dilip|title=After Empire: The Birth of a Multipolar World|year=2010|isbn=978-1-56858-427-0|page=248|publisher=PublicAffairs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zlivv_pQWnAC&q=Kollywood&pg=PA248|access-date=20 October 2020|archive-date=22 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822035814/https://books.google.com/books?id=Zlivv_pQWnAC&q=Kollywood&pg=PA248|url-status=live }}</ref> The first silent film in South India was produced in Tamil in 1916 and the first talkie was a multilingual film, ''[[Kalidas (film)|Kalidas]]'', which was released on 31 October 1931, barely seven months after India's first talking picture ''[[Alam Ara]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Velayutham|first=Selvaraj|title=Tamil cinema: the cultural politics of India's other film industry|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&q=Tamil+cinema+industry|isbn=978-0-415-39680-6|year=2008|publisher=Routledge|access-date=20 October 2020|archive-date=22 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822035817/https://books.google.com/books?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&q=Tamil+cinema+industry|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/from-silent-films-to-the-digital-era-madras-tryst-with-cinema/article32476615.ece|title=From silent films to the digital era — Madras' tryst with cinema|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 August 2020|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108035615/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/from-silent-films-to-the-digital-era-madras-tryst-with-cinema/article32476615.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Samikannu Vincent]], who had built the first cinema of South India in Coimbatore, introduced the concept of "Tent Cinema" in which a tent was erected on a stretch of open land close to a town or village to screen the films. The first of its kind was established in Madras, called "Edison's Grand Cinemamegaphone".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/Cinema-and-the-city/article15513259.ece|title=Cinema and the city|date=9 January 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=23 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023234933/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/Cinema-and-the-city/article15513259.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/farewell-to-old-cinema-halls/articleshow/8202426.cms|title=Farewell to old cinema halls|date=9 May 2011|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=19 June 2018|archive-date=5 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005001958/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Farewell-to-old-cinema-halls/articleshow/8202426.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=18 October 2013|title=A way of life|newspaper=Frontline|url=https://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/a-way-of-life/article5189219.ece|access-date=19 June 2018|url-status=dead
=== Film industry ===
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206150806/https://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/a-way-of-life/article5189219.ece|archive-date=6 February 2014}}</ref>
{{Main|Tamil cinema}}
Tamil Nadu is also home to the Tamil film industry nicknamed as "Kollywood", which released the most number of films in India in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tamil-leads-as-India-tops-film-production/articleshow/21967065.cms |title=Tamil Nadu leads in film production |access-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116192759/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tamil-leads-as-India-tops-film-production/articleshow/21967065.cms |archive-date=16 November 2014 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The term ''Kollywood'' is a [[portmanteau]] of [[Kodambakkam]] and Hollywood.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hiro |first=Dilip |title=After Empire: The Birth of a Multipolar World |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-56858-427-0 |page=248 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=Zlivv_pQWnAC&pg=PA248&dq=Kollywood#v=onepage&q=Kollywood&f=false}}</ref> Tamil cinema is one of the largest industries of film production in India.<ref>{{cite web |work=Business Standard |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/tamil-telugu-film-industries-outshine-bollywood/238821/ |title=Tamil, Telugu film industries outshine Bollywood |date=25 January 2006 |accessdate=2012-02-19}}</ref> In Tamil Nadu, cinema ticket prices are regulated by the government. Single screen theatres may charge a maximum of {{INR}}50, while theaters with more than three screens may charge a maximum of {{INR}}120 per ticket.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ashok Kumar |first=S.R. |title=Cinema ticket rate revision reflects a balancing act |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/02/stories/2007010215570200.htm |work=The Hindu |accessdate=18 January 2013 |location=Chennai, India |date=2 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103145328/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/02/stories/2007010215570200.htm |archive-date=3 November 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The first silent film in Tamil [[Keechaka Vadham]], was made in 1916.<ref name=RANDOR>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/09/07/stories/2009090750790300.htm |title=Metro Plus Chennai / Madras Miscellany : The pioneer'Tamil' film-maker |work=The Hindu |date=7 September 2009 |accessdate=29 June 2011 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912035730/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/09/07/stories/2009090750790300.htm |archive-date=12 September 2009 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The first talkie was a multi-lingual film, ''[[Kalidas (film)|Kalidas]]'', which released on 31 October 1931, barely 7 months after India's first talking picture ''[[Alam Ara]]''.<ref name="velayutham2">{{cite book |last=Velayutham |first=Selvaraj |title=Tamil cinema: the cultural politics of India's other film industry |page=2 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Tamil+cinema+industry#v=onepage&q&f=false|isbn=978-0-415-39680-6 |year=2008 }}</ref> [[Swamikannu Vincent]], who had built the first cinema of [[South India]] in [[Coimbatore]], introduced the concept of "Tent Cinema" in which a tent was erected on a stretch of open land close to a town or village to screen the films. The first of its kind was established in [[Chennai|Madras]], called "Edison's Grand Cinemamegaphone". This was due to the fact that electric carbons were used for motion picture projectors.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/04/30/stories/2010043051340400.htm |title=He brought cinema to South |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=26 September 2011 |location=Chennai, India |date=30 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202215242/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/04/30/stories/2010043051340400.htm |archive-date=2 February 2012 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


=== Television industry ===
===Festivals===
[[File:Madurai-alanganallur-jallikattu.jpg|thumb|[[Jallikattu]], a traditional bull taming event held during [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] festivities, attracts huge crowds]]
There are more than 30 television channels of various genre in [[Tamil Language|Tamil]]. [[DD Podhigai]], [[Doordarshan]]'s Tamil language regional channel was launched on 14 April 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/CPC |title=Regional Language Satellite Service |accessdate=2011-07-10 |publisher=[[Doordarshan]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622215640/http://ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/CPC |archivedate=22 June 2011}}</ref> The first private Tamil channel, [[Sun TV Network|Sun TV]] was founded in 1993 by [[Kalanidhi Maran]]. In Tamil Nadu, the television industry is influenced by politics and majority of the channels are owned by politicians or people with political links.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newslaundry.com/2012/09/24/tamil-nadus-tv-empires/ |title=Tamil Nadu TV empire |accessdate=6 July 2015 |publisher=Newslaundry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706232148/http://www.newslaundry.com/2012/09/24/tamil-nadus-tv-empires/ |archive-date=6 July 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The government of Tamil Nadu distributed free televisions to families in 2006 at an estimated cost {{INRConvert|3.6|b}} of which has led to high penetration of TV services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jayalalithaa-govt-scraps-free-tv-scheme-in-tamil-nadu-1553514 |title=Jayalalithaa govt scraps free TV scheme in Tamil Nadu |newspaper=DNA India |accessdate=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707003607/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jayalalithaa-govt-scraps-free-tv-scheme-in-tamil-nadu-1553514 |archive-date=7 July 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/05/magazine/what-happens-when-a-state-is-run-by-movie-stars.html?_r=0 |title=What Happens When a State Is Run by Movie Stars |publisher=NY Times |accessdate=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705025800/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/05/magazine/what-happens-when-a-state-is-run-by-movie-stars.html?_r=0 |archive-date=5 July 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Cable used to be the preferred mode of reaching homes controlled by government run operator [[Arasu Cable TV|Arasu Cable]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sun-TV-seals-deal-with-Arasu-at-Rs-3cr-a-month/articleshow/15303895.cms?referral=PM |title=Sun TV seals deal with Arasu at Rs 3cr a month |newspaper=Times of India |accessdate=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023011/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sun-TV-seals-deal-with-Arasu-at-Rs-3cr-a-month/articleshow/15303895.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=4 September 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> From the early 2010s, [[Direct to Home]] has become increasingly popular replacing cable television services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/dth/dth-operator/fy-2015-inflection-point-for-dth-companies-in-india-150616 |title=FY-2015: Inflection point for DTH companies in India |publisher=India Television |accessdate=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707011318/http://www.indiantelevision.com/dth/dth-operator/fy-2015-inflection-point-for-dth-companies-in-india-150616 |archive-date=7 July 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[List of Tamil-language television channels|Tamil television]] serials form a major prime time source of entertainment and are directed usually by one director unlike American television series, where often several directors and writers work together.{{sfn|Chosun Ilbo|2007}}
[[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] is a major and multi-day [[harvest festival]] celebrated by [[Tamils]].<ref name="CushRobinson2008p610">{{cite book|author1=Denise Cush|author2=Catherine A. Robinson|author3=Michael York|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i_T0HeWE-EAC|year=2008|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-0-700-71267-0|pages=610–611|access-date=30 October 2019|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421115354/https://books.google.com/books?id=i_T0HeWE-EAC|url-status=live}}</ref> It is observed in the month of Thai according to the [[Tamil calendar|Tamil solar calendar]] and usually falls on 14 or 15 January.<ref name=Beteille73>{{cite journal|last=Beteille|first=Andre|title=89. A Note on the Pongal Festival in a Tanjore Village|journal=Man|publisher=Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland|volume=64|year=1964|issue=2 |issn=0025-1496|doi=10.2307/2797924|pages=73–75|jstor=2797924 }}</ref> It is dedicated to the [[Surya]], the Sun God and the festival is named after the ceremonial "Pongal", which means "to boil, overflow" and refers to the traditional dish prepared from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with [[jaggery]] offered to Surya.<ref>{{cite book|author=R Abbas|editor=S Ganeshram and C Bhavani|title=History of People and Their Environs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=crxUQR_qBXYC|year=2011|publisher=Bharathi Puthakalayam|isbn=978-9-380-32591-0|pages=751–752|access-date=30 October 2019|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421115350/https://books.google.com/books?id=crxUQR_qBXYC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=J. Gordon Melton|title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC|year=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-598-84206-7|pages=547–548}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Roy W. Hamilton|author2=Aurora Ammayao|title=The art of rice: spirit and sustenance in Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yyQoAQAAMAAJ|year=2003|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-930-74198-3|pages=156–157|access-date=30 October 2019|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421115348/https://books.google.com/books?id=yyQoAQAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Mattu Pongal is meant for celebration of [[cattle]] when the cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colors, garlands of flowers placed around their necks and processions.<ref>{{cite journal|title= Food for the Gods in South India: An Exposition of Data|author= G. Eichinger Ferro-Luzzi|journal= Zeitschrift für Ethnologie|volume = Bd. 103, H. 1|year= 1978|issue= 1|pages= 86–108|publisher= Dietrich Reimer Verlag GmbH|jstor=25841633}}</ref> [[Jallikattu]] is a traditional event held during the period attracting huge crowds in which a bull is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Governor-clears-ordinance-on-%E2%80%98jallikattu%E2%80%99/article17074093.ece|title=Governor clears ordinance on 'jallikattu'|last=Ramakrishnan|first=T.|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|date=26 February 2017|language=en|archive-date=20 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520145353/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Governor-clears-ordinance-on-%E2%80%98jallikattu%E2%80%99/article17074093.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:2019 kolam decoration for Pongal festival, South India.jpg|thumb|left|Tamils decorate their homes with colorful geometric designs called [[Kolam]] made from rice powder<ref name=mercer22>{{cite book|author=Abbie Mercer|title=Happy New Year|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z3AnvD5jeDMC|year=2007|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-404-23808-4|page=22}}</ref>]]
[[Puthandu]] is known as Tamil New Year which marks the first day of year on the [[Tamil calendar]]. The festival date is set with the solar cycle of the solar [[Hindu calendar]], as the first day of the Tamil month ''Chithirai'' and falls on or about 14 April every year on the [[Gregorian calendar]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC|year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-143-41421-6|page=406}}</ref> [[Karthika Deepam|Karthikai Deepam]] is a festival of lights that is observed on the [[Amavasya|full moon day]] of the [[Kārtika (month)|Kartika]] month, called the [[Kartik Purnima|Kartika Pournami]], falling on the [[Gregorian calendar|Gregorian]] months of November or December.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Spagnoli|first1=Cathy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6_Aci8KA7JEC&dq=karthigai+deepam+november+december&pg=PA133|title=Jasmine and Coconuts: South Indian Tales|last2=Samanna|first2=Paramasivam|date=1999|publisher=Libraries Unlimited|isbn=978-1-563-08576-5|pages=133|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930150136/https://books.google.com/books?id=6_Aci8KA7JEC&dq=karthigai+deepam+november+december&pg=PA133|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Gajrani|first=S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zh6z0nuIjAgC&dq=karthigai+deepam&pg=PA207|title=History, Religion and Culture of India|date=2004|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-8-182-05061-7|pages=207|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930145221/https://books.google.com/books?id=zh6z0nuIjAgC&dq=karthigai+deepam&pg=PA207|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Thaipusam]] is a Tamil festival celebrated on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai coinciding with [[Pushya|Pusam]] star and dedicated to lord [[Murugan]]. [[Kavadi Aattam]] is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees which is a central part of Thaipusam and emphasizes debt bondage.<ref>{{cite book|author=Kent, Alexandra|title=Divinity and Diversity: A Hindu Revitalization Movement in Malaysia|publisher=[[University of Hawaii Press]]|year=2005|isbn=978-8-791-11489-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Portals: Opening Doorways to Other Realities Through the Senses|first=Lynne|last=Hume|year=2020|isbn=978-1-0001-8987-2|publisher=Taylor & Francis}}</ref> [[Aadi Perukku]] is a Tamil cultural festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of [[Tamil calendar|Adi]] which pays tribute to [[water]]'s life-sustaining properties. The worship of [[Mariamman|Amman]] and [[Ayyanar]] deities are organized during the month in temples across Tamil Nadu with much fanfare.<ref name="AA">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/jul/26/an-ode-to-aadi-and-ayyanar-2480584.html|title=An ode to Aadi and Ayyanar|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|date=26 July 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222132958/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/jul/26/an-ode-to-aadi-and-ayyanar-2480584.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Panguni Uthiram]] is marked on the [[purnima]] (full moon) of the month of [[Phalguna|Panguni]] and celebrates the wedding of various Hindu gods.<ref>{{cite book|first=Vijaya |last=Ramaswamy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ALUvDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA131|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils|date=2017-08-25|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-538-10686-0|pages=131}}</ref>


[[Tyagaraja Aradhana]] is an annual music festival devoted to composer [[Tyagaraja]]. In [[Tiruvaiyaru]] in [[Thanjavur district]], thousands of music artists congregate every year.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tourism in Tamil Nadu: Growth and Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jTmbDwAAQBAJ&dq=piranmalai&pg=PA106|page=14|last=Pillai|first=S. Subramania|publisher=MJP Publisher|year=2019|isbn=978-8-180-94432-1}}</ref> [[Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru]] is a music festival which has been conducted from 18 to 25 December every year in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/dec/05/music-season-begins-with-chennaiyil-thiruvaiyaru-fest-1907231.html|title=Chennai music season begins with 'Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru' festival|date=5 December 2018|newspaper=[[Indian Express]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222132957/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/dec/05/music-season-begins-with-chennaiyil-thiruvaiyaru-fest-1907231.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chennai Sangamam]] is a large annual open [[Tamil people|Tamil]] cultural festival held in Chennai with the intention of rejuvenating the old village festivals, art and artists.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-sangamam-to-return-after-a-decade/articleshow/96609404.cms|title=Chennai Sangamam to return after a decade|date=30 December 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222132958/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-sangamam-to-return-after-a-decade/articleshow/96609404.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Music Season]], initiated by [[Madras Music Academy]] in 1927, is celebrated every year during the month of December and features performances of traditional [[Carnatic music]] by artists from the city.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knight|first=Douglas M. Jr.|title=Balasaraswati: Her Art and Life|year=2010|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=978-0-819-56906-6|page=78|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3EsA2NooW4C}}</ref>
[[File:Veg Full Meals in Tamil Nadu.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|Vegetarian food from Tamil Nadu served in a banana leaf]]


=== Cuisine ===
== Economy ==
{{Main|Tamil cuisine}}
{{Main|Economy of Tamil Nadu}}
The economy of the state consistently exceeded national average growth rates, due to [[Economic reforms in India|reform-oriented]] economic policies in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.icrier.org/pdf/wp144.pdf|title=Economic Growth in Indian States|publisher=ICRIER|first=K.L.|last=Krishna|date=September 2004|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924032647/http://www.icrier.org/pdf/wp144.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023|24}}, Tamil Nadu's [[Gross state product|GSDP]] was {{INRConvert|27.22|t|lk=r}}, [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|second]] highest amongst Indian states, which had grown significantly from {{INRConvert|2.19|t|lk=r}} in 2004.<ref name="GSDP"/> The per-capita [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|NDSP]] is {{INRConvert|315220|lk=r}}.<ref name="NSDP"/> Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized state in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/jan/02/tamil-nadu-is-the-most-urbanised-state-in-india-says-eps-2244327.html|title=Tamil Nadu the most urbanised State says EPS|date=2 January 2021|access-date=10 September 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=21 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121175637/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/jan/02/tamil-nadu-is-the-most-urbanised-state-in-india-says-eps-2244327.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the state had the lowest percentage of people under the poverty line, rural unemployment rate is considerably higher at 47 per thousand compared to the national average of 28.<ref name="PL"/><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22079|title=Rural unemployment rate|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094648/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22079|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, the state had the most number of factories at 38,837 units with an engaged work-force of 2.6 million.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22178|title=Number of factories|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094646/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22178|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22185|title=Engaged workforce|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094649/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22185|url-status=live}}</ref>


The state has a diversified industrial base anchored by different sectors including [[automobile]]s, [[software services]], [[Electronic hardware|hardware]], [[textiles]], [[healthcare]] and [[financial services]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Making Tamil Nadu future ready|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/making-tamil-nadu-future-ready/articleshow/96338870.cms|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=15 October 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603084703/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/making-tamil-nadu-future-ready/articleshow/96338870.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://dcmsme.gov.in/publications/traderep/chennai/chennai8.htm|title=Industrial potential in Chennai|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327011055/http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/publications/traderep/chennai/chennai8.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, services contributed to 55% of the GSDP followed by manufacturing at 32% and agriculture at 13%.<ref name="TNB">{{cite report|url=https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/tamil-nadu-budget-analysis-2023-24|title=Tamil Nadu Budget analysis|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529111112/https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/tamil-nadu-budget-analysis-2023-24|url-status=live}}</ref> There are 42 [[Special Economic Zone]]s (SEZ) in the state.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.mepz.gov.in/listSEZTN.html|title=List of SEZs|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715084509/https://www.mepz.gov.in/listSEZTN.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As per a report by Government of India, Tamil Nadu is the most export competitive state of India in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/economy/what-india-s-top-exporting-states-have-done-right-11689788707048.html|title=What India's top exporting states have done right|date=19 July 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=Mint|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094647/https://www.livemint.com/economy/what-india-s-top-exporting-states-have-done-right-11689788707048.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]] is renowned for its unique [[mango]]es, [[Madurai]] is the place of origin of milk dessert [[Jil jil jigarthanda|Jigarthanda]] while [[Palani]] is known for its Panchamirtham.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/in-search-of-madurai-jigarthanda/article3896831.ece |title=In search of Madurai Jigarthanda |author=Baradwaj Rangan |work=The Hindu |accessdate=24 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041857/http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/in-search-of-madurai-jigarthanda/article3896831.ece |archive-date=16 October 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Coffee]] and [[tea]] are the staple drinks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shankar|first1=Shylashri|title=A coffee break in tradition|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/a-moveable-feast/a-coffee-break-in-tradition|access-date=21 December 2016|work=Open the magazine|date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220220308/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/a-moveable-feast/a-coffee-break-in-tradition|archive-date=20 December 2016|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


== Economy ==
===Services===
[[File:Tid.jpg|thumb|[[Tidel Park]], the first [[Information Technology|IT]] [[Special Economic Zone|SEZ]] in the state]]
{{Main|Economy of Tamil Nadu|List of conglomerates in Tamil Nadu|List of rivers of Tamil Nadu}}
{{As of|2022}}, the state is amongst the major [[Information technology]] (IT) exporters of India with a value of {{INRconvert|576.87|b}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://factly.in/data-karnataka-tamil-nadu-maharashtra-telangana-account-for-more-than-80-of-indias-software-exports/|title=Data: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & Telangana Account for More Than 80% of India's Software Exports|date=4 July 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Factly|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094647/https://factly.in/data-karnataka-tamil-nadu-maharashtra-telangana-account-for-more-than-80-of-indias-software-exports/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai emerging as India's Silicon Valley?|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Software/Chennai_emerging_as_Indias_Silicon_Valley/articleshow/3000410.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=1 May 2008|access-date=28 December 2012|first=Rajesh|last=Chandramouli|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820000027/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Software/Chennai_emerging_as_Indias_Silicon_Valley/articleshow/3000410.cms|archive-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> Established in 2000, [[Tidel Park]] in Chennai was amongst the first and largest IT parks in Asia.<ref>{{cite news|title=PM opens Asia's largest IT park|url=https://www.ciol.com/pm-asias-largest-it-park-chennai/|date=4 July 2000|publisher=CIOL|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062949/https://www.ciol.com/pm-asias-largest-it-park-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref> The presence of [[Special Economic Zone|SEZ]]s and government policies have contributed to the growth of the sector which has attracted foreign investments and job seekers from other parts of the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/after-delhi-maharastra-tn-received-highest-fdi-equity-inflows-in-fy15-114113000130_1.html|title=Maharashtra tops FDI equity inflows|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=1 December 2012|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723070339/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/after-delhi-maharastra-tn-received-highest-fdi-equity-inflows-in-fy15-114113000130_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-a-small-step-in-inclusivity-a-giant-leap-in-industry/articleshow/99926653.cms|title=Tamil Nadu: A small step in inclusivity, a giant leap in India|date=2 May 2023|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209064452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-a-small-step-in-inclusivity-a-giant-leap-in-industry/articleshow/99926653.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2020s, Chennai has become a major provider of [[Software as a service|SaaS]] and has been dubbed the "SaaS Capital of India".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crayondata.com/heres-why-chennai-is-the-saas-capital-of-india/|title=Here's why Chennai is the SAAS capital of India|date=24 August 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Crayon|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506031522/https://www.crayondata.com/heres-why-chennai-is-the-saas-capital-of-india/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/a-silent-saas-revolution-is-brewing-in-chennai/articleshow/67583586.cms|title=A silent SaaS revolution is brewing in Chennai|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515030121/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/a-silent-saas-revolution-is-brewing-in-chennai/articleshow/67583586.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:TIDELPark Coimbatore.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[TIDEL Park Coimbatore]]; Coimbatore is one of the leading IT/ITS centres in India]]


The state has two [[stock exchange]]s, [[Coimbatore Stock Exchange]], established in 2013, and [[Madras Stock Exchange]], established in 2015 and India's third-largest by trading volume.<ref>{{cite news|title=Investors told to go in for long term investment, index funds|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/investors-told-to-go-in-for-long-term-investment-index-funds/article3222777.ece|date=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804024931/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/investors-told-to-go-in-for-long-term-investment-index-funds/article3222777.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sebi.gov.in/stock-exchanges.html|title=List of Stock exchanges|publisher=SEBI|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828151333/https://www.sebi.gov.in/stock-exchanges.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[The Madras Bank (1683)|Madras Bank]], the first European-style banking system in India, was established on 21 June 1683, followed by the first commercial banks such as Bank of Hindustan (1770) and General Bank of India (1786).<ref>{{cite news|last=Mukund|first=Kanakalatha|title=Insight into the progress of banking|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=3 April 2007|url=http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/04/03/stories/2007040300301600.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701143955/http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/04/03/stories/2007040300301600.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Bank of Madras]] merged with two other presidency banks to form the [[Imperial Bank of India]] in 1921 which in 1955 became the [[State Bank of India]], the largest bank in India.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Shiv|title=200 years and going strong|newspaper=The Tribune|date=26 June 2005|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050626/spectrum/main1.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804210248/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050626/spectrum/main1.htm|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref> More than 400 financial industry businesses including three [[Banking in India|banks]] are headquartered in the state.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shivakumar|first=C.|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/28/chennai-finance-city-taking-shape-1779935.html|title=Chennai Finance City taking shape|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|date=28 February 2018|access-date=17 March 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107162239/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/28/chennai-finance-city-taking-shape-1779935.html|archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shivakumar|first=C.|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/jun/08/state-of-the-art-commerce-hub-likely-on-anna-salai-1987448.html|title=State-of-the-art commerce hub likely on Anna Salai|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|date=8 June 2019|access-date=1 March 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921100423/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/jun/08/state-of-the-art-commerce-hub-likely-on-anna-salai-1987448.html|archive-date=21 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/indian-banks-and-their-headquarters-1690786564-1|title=Indian Banks and their Headquarters|date=31 July 2023 |publisher=Jagran Josh|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> The state hosts the [[Reserve Bank of India, South Zonal Office|south zonal office]] of the [[Reserve Bank of India]], the country's central bank, along with its zonal training centre and staff college at Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|title=RBI staff college|publisher=Reserve Bank of India|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/rbsc.aspx|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130123403/https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/rbsc.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> There is a [[World Bank office, Chennai|permanent back office]] of the [[World Bank]] in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/world-bank-expands-footprint-in-city-adds-70k-sqft-back-office-space/articleshow/54860801.cms|title=World Bank expands footprint in city, adds 70k sqft back office|date=5 October 2015|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209064452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/world-bank-expands-footprint-in-city-adds-70k-sqft-back-office-space/articleshow/54860801.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
For the year 2014–15 Tamil Nadu's [[Gross state product|GSDP]] was {{INRConvert|9.767|t}}, and growth was 14.86.{{sfn|GSDP at current prices|2015}} It ranks third in [[foreign direct investment]] (FDI) approvals (cumulative 1991–2002) of {{INR}} 225.826 billion ($5,000&nbsp;million), next only to Maharashtra and Delhi constituting 9.12 per cent of the total FDI in the country.{{sfn|''The Hindu''|22 April 2005}} The per capita income in 2007–2008 for the state was {{INR}} 72,993 ranking third among states with a population over 10 million and has steadily been above the national average.{{sfn|''The Economic Times''|12 June 2012}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="float:right; margin:10px"
|+ Gross State Domestic Product in {{INR}} Crores at Constant Prices{{sfn|GSDP at constant prices 2014}}
|-
! Year
! GSDP
! Growth Rate
! Share in India
|-
| 2000–01 || style="text-align:right;" | 142,065 || style="text-align:right;" | 5.87% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.62%
|-
| 2001–02 || style="text-align:right;" | 139,842 || style="text-align:right;" | −1.56% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.09%
|-
| 2002–03 || style="text-align:right;" | 142,295 || style="text-align:right;" | 1.75% || style="text-align:right;" | 6.95%
|-
| 2003–04 || style="text-align:right;" | 150,815 || style="text-align:right;" | 5.99% || style="text-align:right;" | 6.79%
|-
| 2004–05 || style="text-align:right;" | 219,003 || style="text-align:right;" | 11.45% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.37%
|-
| 2005–06 || style="text-align:right;" | 249,567 || style="text-align:right;" | 13.96% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.67%
|-
| 2006–07 || style="text-align:right;" | 287,530 || style="text-align:right;" | 15.21% || style="text-align:right;" | 8.07%
|-
| 2007–08 || style="text-align:right;" | 305,157 || style="text-align:right;" | 6.13% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.83%
|-
| 2008–09 || style="text-align:right;" | 321,793 || style="text-align:right;" | 5.45% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.74%
|-
| 2009–10 || style="text-align:right;" | 356,632 || style="text-align:right;" | 10.83% || style="text-align:right;" | 7.89%
|-
| 2010–11 || style="text-align:right;" | 403,416 || style="text-align:right;" | 13.12% || style="text-align:right;" | 8.20%
|-
| 2011–12 || style="text-align:right;" | 433,238 || style="text-align:right;" | 7.39% || style="text-align:right;" | 8.26%
|-
| 2012–13 || style="text-align:right;" | 447,944 || style="text-align:right;" | 3.39% || style="text-align:right;" | 8.17%
|-
| 2013–14 || style="text-align:right;" | 480,618 || style="text-align:right;" | 7.29% || style="text-align:right;" | 8.37%
|}


===Manufacturing===
According to the 2011 Census, Tamil Nadu is the most urbanised state in India (49 per cent), accounting for 9.6 per cent of the urban population while only comprising 6 per cent of India's total population.{{sfn|e-census India|2002}}{{sfn|''The Hindu''|18 May 2008}} Services contributes to 45 per cent of the economic activity in the state, followed by manufacturing at 34 per cent and agriculture at 21 per cent. Government is the major investor in the state with 51 per cent of total investments, followed by private Indian investors at 29.9 per cent and foreign private investors at 14.9 per cent. Tamil Nadu has a network of about 113 industrial parks and estates offering developed plots with supporting infrastructure. According to the publications of the Tamil Nadu government the Gross State Domestic Product at Constant Prices (Base year 2004–2005) for the year 2011–2012 is {{INRConvert|4.281|t}}, an increase of 9.39 per cent over the previous year. The per capita income at current price is {{INR}} 72,993.
[[File:Arjun MBT bump track test 2.JPG|thumb|[[Arjun (tank)|Arjun]] battle tank manufactured at [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited|AVANI]] in Chennai]]
Manufacturing in various sectors is governed by the state owned industrial corporation [[Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation]] (TIDCO) apart from central government owned companies. Electronics hardware is a major manufacturing industry with an output of $5.37 billion in 2023, largest amongst Indian states.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-emerges-as-top-exporter-of-electronic-goods-tripling-in-a-year-101688499546169.html|title=TN tops in electronic goods' export|date=5 July 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062949/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-emerges-as-top-exporter-of-electronic-goods-tripling-in-a-year-101688499546169.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/101381471.cms|title=In a first, Tamil Nadu overtakes UP and Karnataka to emerge first|date=1 June 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603084625/https://ssum-sec.casalemedia.com/usermatch?d=https%3A%2F%2Ftimesofindia.indiatimes.com%2F&s=184674&cb=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.indexww.com%2Fht%2Fhtw-pixel.gif%3F|url-status=live}}</ref> A large number of automotive companies have their manufacturing bases in the state with the [[automotive industry in Chennai]] accounting for more than 35% of India's overall automotive components and automobile output, earning the nickname "[[Detroit of India]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/special-videos/chennai-the-next-global-auto-manufacturing-hub_539405.html|title=Chennai: The next global auto manufacturing hub?|work=CNBC-TV18|access-date=28 December 2012|date=27 April 2011|publisher=[[CNBC]]|archive-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111093534/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/special-videos/chennai-the-next-global-auto-manufacturing-hub_539405.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2000/oct/25cars.htm|title=Madras, the Detroit of South Asia|publisher=[[Rediff]]|date=30 April 2004|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133843/http://www.rediff.com/money/2000/oct/25cars.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=U.S. International Trade Commission|title=Competitive Conditions for Foreign Direct Investment in India, Staff Research Study #30|year=2007|publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=978-1-457-81829-5|pages=2–10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMIo-FZXCYEC&pg=SA2-PA10|access-date=25 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173000/https://books.google.com/books?id=hMIo-FZXCYEC&pg=SA2-PA10#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Integral Coach Factory]] in Chennai manufactures railway coaches and other rolling stock for [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Profile, Integral Coach Factory|publisher=[[Indian Railways]]|url=https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062951/https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|url-status=live}}</ref>


Another major industry is textiles with the state being home to more than half of the operating fiber textile mills in India.<ref>{{cite press release|title=State wise number of Textile Mills|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108277|publisher=[[Government of India]]|date=7 August 2014|access-date=23 January 2023|archive-date=1 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901165437/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=108277|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lok Sabha Elections 2014: Erode has potential to become a textile heaven says Narendra Modi|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lok-sabha-elections-2014-erode-has-potential-to-become-a-textile-heaven-says-narendra-modi-1979317|newspaper=DNA India|date=17 April 2014|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=19 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119120152/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-lok-sabha-elections-2014-erode-has-potential-to-become-a-textile-heaven-says-narendra-modi-1979317|url-status=live}}</ref> Coimbatore is often referred to as the ''[[Manchester]] of [[South India]]'' due to its cotton production and textile industries.<ref>{{cite news|title=SME sector: Opportunities, challenges in Coimbatore|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/sme-sector-opportunities-challengescoimbatore_525889.html|access-date=9 May 2011|newspaper=CNBC-TV18|date=24 February 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311111630/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/sme-sector-opportunities-challengescoimbatore_525889.html|archive-date=11 March 2011}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, Tiruppur exported garments worth US$480 billion, contributing to nearly 54% of the all the textile exports from India and the city is known as the ''knitwear capital'' due to its cotton knitwear export.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/podcast/economy-policy/how-can-india-replicate-the-success-of-tiruppur-in-75-other-places-122062900071_1.html|title=How can India replicate the success of Tiruppur in 75 other places?|newspaper=Business Standard|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201064216/https://www.business-standard.com/podcast/economy-policy/how-can-india-replicate-the-success-of-tiruppur-in-75-other-places-122062900071_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Brief Industrial Profile of Tiruppur district|url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/IPS%20Tiruppur%202012.pdf|website=DCMSME|publisher=Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Industries, Government of India|access-date=3 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101505/http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/IPS%20Tiruppur%202012.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{As of|2015}}, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu accounts for 17% of the total invested capital in all the industries.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-textile-policy-on-the-anvil/article7458741.ece|title=New textile policy on the anvil|author=Sangeetha Kandavel|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023012/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-textile-policy-on-the-anvil/article7458741.ece|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live|date=24 July 2015}}</ref> {{As of|2021}}, 40% of leather goods exported from India worth {{INRconvert|92.52|b}} are being manufactured in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/94015664.cms|title=TN to account for 60% of India's leather exports in two year|date=6 September 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603084710/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-to-account-for-60-of-indias-leather-exports-in-two-years/articleshow/94015664.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The state supplies two-thirds of India's requirements of motors and pumps, and is one of the largest exporters of [[wet grinder]]s with "[[Coimbatore Wet Grinder]]", a recognized [[Geographical indication]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Poor-sales-hit-pump-unit-owners-workers/articleshow/47423911.cms|title=Poor sales hit pump unit owners, workers|access-date=28 June 2015|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604112159/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Poor-sales-hit-pump-unit-owners-workers/articleshow/47423911.cms|archive-date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Industry/r8UaiAN7APhsLubxdYWgOL/Poll-code-set-to-hit-business-of-Coimbatores-wetgrinder-ma.html|title=Poll code set to hit wet grinders business|newspaper=Live Mint|date=6 August 2015|access-date=20 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820234015/http://www.livemint.com/Industry/r8UaiAN7APhsLubxdYWgOL/Poll-code-set-to-hit-business-of-Coimbatores-wetgrinder-ma.html|archive-date=20 August 2015}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu has six Nationalised Home Banks which originated in this state; Two government-sector banks [[Indian Bank]] and [[Indian Overseas Bank]] in Chennai, and Four private-sector banks [[City Union Bank]] in Kumbakonam, [[Karur Vysya Bank]], [[Lakshmi Vilas Bank]] in Karur, and [[Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited]] in Tuticorin.


There are two ordnance factories in Aruvankadu and [[Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli|Tiruchirappalli]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=PTI|date=28 September 2021|title=Govt. dissolves Ordnance Factory Board, transfers assets to 7 PSUs|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-dissolves-ordnance-factory-board-transfers-assets-to-7-psus/article36707478.ece|access-date=28 September 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928140631/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-dissolves-ordnance-factory-board-transfers-assets-to-7-psus/article36707478.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Seven new defence companies carved out of OFB|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1764148#:~:text=of%20the%20country.-,The%20seven%20new%20Defence%20companies%20are%3A%20Munitions%20India%20Limited%20(MIL,Gliders%20India%20Limited%20(GIL)|access-date=1 December 2023|date=15 October 2021|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406005242/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1764148#:~:text=of%20the%20country.-,The%20seven%20new%20Defence%20companies%20are%3A%20Munitions%20India%20Limited%20(MIL,Gliders%20India%20Limited%20(GIL)|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited|AVANI]], headquartered in Chennai, manufactures [[armoured fighting vehicle]]s, [[main battle tank]]s, tank engines and armored clothing for the use of the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Roche|first1=Elizabeth|title=New defence PSUs will help India become self-reliant: PM|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-urges-restructured-defence-units-to-help-india-become-military-industry-power-11634288891758.html|access-date=16 October 2021|work=mint|date=15 October 2021|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122133224/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-urges-restructured-defence-units-to-help-india-become-military-industry-power-11634288891758.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pubby|first1=Manu|title=Modi to launch seven new PSUs this week, Defence Ministry approves Rs 65,000-crore orders|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/seven-new-psus-this-week-defence-ministry-approves-rs-65000-cr-orders/articleshow/86946027.cms|access-date=16 October 2021|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=12 October 2021|archive-date=14 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514175130/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/seven-new-psus-this-week-defence-ministry-approves-rs-65000-cr-orders/articleshow/86946027.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[ISRO]], the Indian space agency, operates a propulsion facility at [[ISRO Propulsion Complex|Mahendragiri]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ojha|first=N.N.|title=India in Space, Science & Technology|publisher=Chronicle Books|pages=110–143|location=New Delhi}}</ref>
=== Agriculture ===
Tamil Nadu has historically been an agricultural state and is a leading producer of agricultural products in India. In 2008, Tamil Nadu was India's fifth biggest producer of rice. The total cultivated area in the State was 5.60&nbsp;million hectares in 2009–10.{{sfn|Tamil Nadu agricultural department|2009}} The Cauvery delta region is known as the ''Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tanjore.net |title=Tanjore, the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" |work=tanjore.net |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119141246/http://www.tanjore.net/ |archive-date=19 January 2019 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{better source|date=December 2016}} In terms of production, Tamil Nadu accounts for 10 per cent in fruits and 6 per cent in vegetables, in India.{{sfn|Tamil Nadu horticulture|2008}} Annual food grains production in the year 2007–08 was 10035,000 mt.{{sfn|Tamil Nadu agricultural department|2009}}


===Agriculture===
[[File:Turmeric-powder.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of [[turmeric]]]]
[[File:Rice Paddy Fields in Tamil Nadu.jpg|thumb|[[Rice]] is the staple food grain with the state being one of the largest producers in India]]
Agriculture contributes 13% to the GSDP and is a major employment generator in rural areas.<ref name="TNB"/> {{As of|2022}}, the state had 6.34 million hectares under cultivation.<ref name="Agri">{{cite report|url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/agri_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|title=Department of Agriculture, Policy document, 2023-24|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=12|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201032934/https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/agri_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22119|title=State-wise Pattern of Land Use - Gross Sown Area|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094653/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22119|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Rice]] is the staple food grain with the state being one of the largest producers in India with an output of 7.9 million tonnes in 2021–22.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22124|title=State-wise Production of Foodgrains - Rice|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094655/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22124|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kaveri delta region is known as the ''Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thanjavur.nic.in/history/|title=Thanjavur, history|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922223302/https://thanjavur.nic.in/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Among non-food grains, [[sugarcane]] is the major crop with an annual output of 16.1 million tonnes in 2021–22.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22131|title=State-wise Production of Non-Foodgrains - Sugercane|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094647/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22131|url-status=live}}</ref> The state is a producer of [[spices]] and is the top producer of [[oil seed]]s, [[tapioca]], [[clove]]s and [[flower]]s in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://investingintamilnadu.com/DIGIGOV/TN-pages/why-tn.jsp?pagedisp=static|title=Why Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094651/https://investingintamilnadu.com/DIGIGOV/TN-pages/why-tn.jsp?pagedisp=static|url-status=live}}</ref> The state accounts for 6.5% of fruit and 4.2% of vegetables production in the country.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22140|title=State-wise Production of Fruits|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094657/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22140|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22141|title=State-wise Production of Vegetables|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094651/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22141|url-status=live}}</ref> The state is a leading producer of [[banana]] and [[mango]] with more than 78% of the area under fruit cultivation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnhorticulture.tn.gov.in/stateprofile|title=State profile|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603084711/https://tnhorticulture.tn.gov.in/stateprofile|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, the state was the second largest producer in India of [[rubber|natural rubber]] and [[coconut]]s.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1578142|title=Production of Natural Rubber|date=10 July 2019|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201204805/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1578142|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tea]] is a popular crop in hill-stations with the state being a major producer of a unique flavored [[Nilgiri tea]].<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.teauction.com/statistics/indprodstate.asp|title=Production of Tea in India During And Up to August 2002|publisher=Teauction|year=2002|access-date=10 September 2012|archive-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406125111/http://www.teauction.com/statistics/indprodstate.asp|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|pages=84–85|title=The Tea Book: Experience the World s Finest Teas, Qualities, Infusions, Rituals, Recipes|last=Gaylard|first=Linda|publisher=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|year=2015|isbn=978-1-465-43606-1}}</ref>


{{As of|2022}}, the state is the largest producer in India of [[poultry]] and [[eggs as food|eggs]] with an annual production of 20.8 billion units, contributing to more than 16% of the national output.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22158|title=State-wise Production of Eggs|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094652/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22158|url-status=live}}</ref> The state has a fishermen population of 1.05 million and the coast consists of 3 major fishing harbors, 3 medium fishing harbors and 363 fish landing centres.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/12th_fyp_tn/2.%20Agriculture%20and%20Allied%20Sectors/2_8.pdf|title=Agriculture allied sectors|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094650/https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/12th_fyp_tn/2.%20Agriculture%20and%20Allied%20Sectors/2_8.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, the fishing output was 0.8 million tonnes with a contribution of 5% to the total fish production in India.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22159|title=State-wise Production of Eggs|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094656/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22159|url-status=live}}</ref> Aquaculture includes [[shrimp]], [[sea weed]], [[mussel]], [[clam]] and [[oyster]] farming across more than 6000 hectares.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fisheries.tn.gov.in/Aquaculture|title=Tamil Nadu fisheries department, Aquaculture|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225094648/https://www.fisheries.tn.gov.in/Aquaculture|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[M. S. Swaminathan]], known as the "father of the Indian [[Green Revolution in India|Green Revolution]]" was from Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gopalkrishnan|first1=G|title=M.S. Swaminathan: One Man's Quest for a Hunger-free World|date=2002|publisher=Education Development Centre|oclc=643489739|page=14}}</ref>
The state is the largest producer of bananas, [[turmeric]], flowers,{{sfn|Tamil Nadu horticulture|2008}} tapioca,{{sfn|Tamil Nadu horticulture|2008}} the second largest producer of [[mango]],{{sfn|Tamil Nadu horticulture|2008}} [[rubber|natural rubber]],{{sfn|Rubber board|2006}} [[coconut]], [[peanut|groundnut]] and the third largest producer of coffee, [[sapota]],{{sfn|Tamil Nadu horticulture|2008}} Tea{{sfn|Tea production in India|2002}} and [[Sugarcane]]. Tamil Nadu's sugarcane yield per hectare is the highest in India. The state has 17,000 hectares of land under oil palm cultivation, the second highest in India.{{sfn|Palmoil Study|2004}}


== Infrastructure ==
[[File:Nagercoil paddy fields.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Agriculture forms a major portion of state's economy]]
=== Water supply ===
[[File:Cauvery_at_Erode.JPG|thumb|[[Kaveri]] river is one of the major water sources in the state]]
Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly 4% of the land area and 6% of the population of India, but has only 3% of the water resources of the country. The per capita water availability is {{convert|800|m3|abbr=on}} which is lower than the national average of {{convert|2300|m3|abbr=on}}.<ref name="WR"/> The state is dependent on the monsoons for replenishing the water resources. There are 17 major river basins with 61 reservoirs and about 41,948 tanks with a total surface water potential of 24,864 million cubic metres (MCM), 90% of which is used for [[irrigation]]. The utilizable groundwater recharge is 22,423 MCM.<ref name="WR">{{cite report|url=https://www.environment.tn.gov.in/Document/archives/Waterresources.pdf|page=1|title=Water resources of Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810210339/https://www.environment.tn.gov.in/Document/archives/Waterresources.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The major rivers include [[Kaveri]], [[Bhavani River|Bhavani]], [[Vaigai River|Vaigai]] and [[Thamirabarani River|Thamirabarani]]. With most of the rivers originating from other states, Tamil Nadu depends on neighboring states for considerable quantum of water which has often led to [[Kaveri River water dispute|disputes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnenvis.nic.in/Content|title=Water resources|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The state has 116 [[List of dams and reservoirs in Tamil Nadu|large dams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://damsafety.cwc.gov.in/?page=Tamil%20Nadu%20Water%20Resources%20Department&origin=front-end&page_id=94&lang=&tp=1&rn=1|title=Dam safety|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225061125/https://damsafety.cwc.gov.in/?page=Tamil%20Nadu%20Water%20Resources%20Department&origin=front-end&page_id=94&lang=&tp=1&rn=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Apart from the rivers, the majority of the water comes from rainwater stored in more than 41,000 [[tanks]] and 1.68 million [[well]]s across the state.<ref name="Agri"/>


Water supply and sewage treatment are managed by the respective local administrative bodies such as the [[Chennai MetroWater Supply and Sewage Board]] in Chennai.<ref>{{cite book|title=Second Master Plan|publisher=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|pages=157–159|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104135527/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Second Master Plan|publisher=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|page=163|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104135527/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Desalination]] plants including the country's largest at [[Minjur]] provide alternative means of drinking water.<ref>{{cite web|title=IVRCL desalination plant-Minjur|publisher=IVRCL|access-date=12 August 2023|url=http://www.ivrcl.com/desalination.php|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225061124/http://www.ivrcl.com/desalination.php|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, only 83.4% of the households have access to safe drinking water, less than the national average of 85.5%.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://data.gov.in/resources/households-access-safe-drinking-water|title=Households access to safe drinking water|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=19 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719150926/https://data.gov.in/resources/households-access-safe-drinking-water|url-status=live}}</ref> Water sources are also threatened by [[environmental pollution]] and effluent discharge from industries.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.environment.tn.gov.in/Document/archives/Waterresources.pdf|page=12|title=Water resources of Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810210339/https://www.environment.tn.gov.in/Document/archives/Waterresources.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[M. S. Swaminathan|Dr M.S. Swaminathan]], known as the "father of the Indian [[Green Revolution in India|Green Revolution]]" was from Tamil Nadu.{{sfn|MS Swaminathan Research Foundatation|2010}} [[Tamil Nadu Agricultural University]] with its seven colleges and thirty two research stations spread over the entire state contributes to evolving new crop varieties and technologies and disseminating through various extension agencies. Among states in India, Tamil Nadu is one of the leaders in livestock, poultry and [[fisheries]] production. Tamil Nadu had the second largest number of poultry amongst all the states and accounted for 17.7 per cent of the total poultry population in India.{{sfn|Live stock and poultry statistics|2005}} In 2003–2004, Tamil Nadu had produced 3783.6&nbsp;million of [[egg (food)|eggs]], which was the second highest in India representing 9.37 per cent of the total egg production in the country.{{sfn|Egg production from 1997 to 2004|2004}} With the second longest coastline in India, Tamil Nadu represented 27.54 per cent of the total value of fish and fishery products exported by India in 2006. [[Namakkal]] is also one of the major centres of [[Egg (food)|egg]] production in India. [[Coimbatore]] is one of the major centres for poultry production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2007/8/Pages/India-s-Gems-and-Jewellery-Market-is-Glittering.aspx |title=India's Gems and Jewellery Market is Glittering |publisher=Resource Investor |accessdate=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926235942/http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2007/8/Pages/India-s-Gems-and-Jewellery-Market-is-Glittering.aspx |archive-date=26 September 2011 |dead-url=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.financialexpress.com/news/tamil-nadu-poultry-industry-seeks-export-concessions/88614 |title=Tamil Nadu Poultry Industry Seeks Export Concessions |accessdate=28 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114342/http://archive.financialexpress.com/news/tamil-nadu-poultry-industry-seeks-export-concessions/88614 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


=== Textiles and leather ===
=== Health and sanitation ===
[[File:GH_Chennai.JPG|thumb|The [[Government General Hospital, Chennai|General Hospital]] in Chennai was established on 16 November 1664 and was the first major hospital in India]]
[[File:Kanchipuram silk sareer.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Kanchipuram]] hand loom silk sarees ]]
The state is one of the [[Indian states ranking by prevalence of open defecation|leading states]] in terms of sanitation facilities with more than 99.96% of people having access to toilets.<ref>{{cite report|title=Swachh Bharat Mission dashboard|url=https://sbm.gov.in/sbmdashboard/Default.aspx|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207003137/https://sbm.gov.in/sbmdashboard/Default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The state has robust health facilities and ranks higher in all health related parameters such as high life expectancy of 74 years (sixth) and 98.4% [[Indian states ranking by institutional delivery|institutional delivery]] (second).<ref name="LE"/><ref>{{cite report|url=http://rchiips.org/NFHS/pdf/NFHS4/TN_FactSheet.pdf|title=TN fact sheet, National health survey|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401205438/http://rchiips.org/nfhs/pdf/NFHS4/TN_FactSheet.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Of the three demographically related targets of the [[Millennium Development Goals]] set by the [[United Nations]] and expected to be achieved by 2015, Tamil Nadu achieved the goals related to improvement of maternal health and of reducing infant mortality and child mortality by 2009.<ref name="IMR">{{cite news|url=https://www.frontline.in/other/data-card/missing-targets/article5740024.ece|title=Missing targets|work=Frontline|date=12 March 2014|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620170437/http://www.frontline.in/other/data-card/missing-targets/article5740024.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/mdg_2july15_1.pdf|title=Millennium Development Goals – Country report 2015|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316170139/https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/mdg_2july15_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu is one of the leading States in the textile sector and it houses the country's largest spinning industry accounting for almost 80 per cent of the total installed capacity in India. When it comes to yarn production, the State contributes 40 per cent of the total production in the country. There are 2,614 Hand Processing Units (25 per cent of total units in the country) and 985 Power Processing Units (40 per cent of total units in the country) in Tamil Nadu. According to official data, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu accounts for 17 per cent of the total invested capital in all the industries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-textile-policy-on-the-anvil/article7458741.ece |title=New textile policy on the anvil |author=Sangeetha Kandavel |work=The Hindu |access-date=25 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023012/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-textile-policy-on-the-anvil/article7458741.ece |archive-date=4 September 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ''[[Coimbatore]] is often referred to as the "[[Manchester]] of [[South India]]" due to its cotton production and textile industries.''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winentrance.com/general_knowledge/india_misscellaneous/nick-names-indian-places.html |title=Nicknames of places in India |accessdate=28 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503144352/http://www.winentrance.com/general_knowledge/india_misscellaneous/nick-names-indian-places.html |archive-date=3 May 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Tirupur]] is the country's largest exporter of knitwear.{{sfn|Challenges to textile and apparel industry in Tamil Nadu|2000}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winentrance.com/general_knowledge/india_misscellaneous/nick-names-indian-places.html |title=Nick Names of India Places Manchester of India Ahmedabad Cochin Queen of Arabian Sea – General Knowledge in India |work=winentrance.com |access-date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026175113/http://www.winentrance.com/general_knowledge/india_misscellaneous/nick-names-indian-places.html |archive-date=26 October 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EMA-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=XkwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6189,9133960&dq=manchester+of+south+india+coimbatore&hl=en |title=The Indian Express&nbsp;– Google News Archive Search |publisher= |accessdate=24 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023012/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EMA-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=XkwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6189,9133960&dq=manchester+of+south+india+coimbatore&hl=en |archive-date=4 September 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> for its cotton production.


The health infrastructure in the state includes both government-run and private hospitals. {{As of|2023}}, the state had 404 public hospitals, 1,776 public dispensaries, 11,030 health centres and 481 mobile units run by the government with a capacity of more than 94,700 beds.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/hfw_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|title=Health department, policy note|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=6|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105031648/https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/hfw_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/deptst/medicalandhealth.pdf|title=Medical and health report|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225061648/https://www.tn.gov.in/deptst/medicalandhealth.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Government General Hospital, Chennai|General Hospital]] in Chennai was established on 16 November 1664 and was the first major hospital in India.<ref>{{cite journal|title=History of Medicine: The origin and evolution of the first modern hospital in India|journal=The National Medical Journal of India|date=2020|volume=33|issue=3|pages=175–179|url=https://www.nmji.in/article.asp?issn=0970-258X;year=2020;volume=33;issue=3;spage=175;epage=179;aulast=Amarjothi#:~:text=In%201639%2C%20EIC%20officials%2C%20Andrew,hospital%20in%20India%20was%20started|doi=10.4103/0970-258X.314010|pmid=33904424|access-date=23 May 2021|doi-access=free|author1=Amarjothi JMV|last2=Jesudasan|first2=J.|last3=Ramasamy|first3=V.|last4=Jose|first4=L|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523103919/https://www.nmji.in/article.asp?issn=0970-258X;year=2020;volume=33;issue=3;spage=175;epage=179;aulast=Amarjothi#:~:text=In%201639%2C%20EIC%20officials%2C%20Andrew,hospital%20in%20India%20was%20started|url-status=live}}</ref> The state government administers free [[polio vaccine]] for eligible age groups.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/5-67-lakh-kids-get-polio-vaccines-at-1647-camps-in-city/articleshow/89879771.cms|title=5.67 lakh kids get polio vaccines at 1,647 camps in Chennai|date=28 February 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182653/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/5-67-lakh-kids-get-polio-vaccines-at-1647-camps-in-city/articleshow/89879771.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu is a major centre for medical tourism and Chennai is termed as "India's health capital".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-medical-capitals-place-in-history/article3796305.ece|title=The medical capital's place in history|date=20 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031054/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-medical-capitals-place-in-history/article3796305.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Medical tourism]] forms an important part of the economy with more than 40% of total medical tourists visiting India making it to Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite book|title=Medical Tourism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q1Un-gGsozMC&pg=PA71|page=71|last=Connell|first=John|isbn=978-1-845-93660-0|year=2011|access-date=25 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173511/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q1Un-gGsozMC&pg=PA71#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Automobiles ===
Tamil Nadu has seen major investments in the automobile industry over many decades manufacturing cars, railway coaches, battle-tanks, tractors, motorcycles, automobile spare parts and accessories, tyres and heavy vehicles. ''[[Chennai]] is known as the Detroit of India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Chennai turned into 'Detroit of India' |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/why-chennai-turned-into-detroit-of-india/1233254 |accessdate=29 August 2014 |publisher=Financial Express |date=13 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903075916/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/why-chennai-turned-into-detroit-of-india/1233254 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>'' Major global automobile companies including [[BMW]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Robert Bosch]], [[Renault]]-[[Nissan]], [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]], [[Hyundai]], [[Mitsubishi Motors]], and [[Michelin]] as well as Indian automobile majors like [[Mahindra & Mahindra]], [[Ashok Leyland]], [[Eicher Motors]], [[Isuzu Motors]], [[Murugappa Group|TI cycles]], [[Hindustan Motors]], [[TVS Motors]], [[Irizar]]-[[TVS Motors|TVS]], [[Royal Enfield]], [[Madras Rubber Factory|MRF]], [[Apollo Tyres]], [[TAFE Tractors]], [[Daimler AG]] Company also invested ({{INR}}) 4&nbsp;billion for establishing new plant in Tamil Nadu.{{sfn|Daimler|2012}}


=== Communication ===
=== Heavy industries and engineering ===
Tamil Nadu is one of four Indian states connected by [[Submarine communications cable|undersea fibre-optic cables]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bharti and SingTel Establish Network i2i Limited|newspaper=Submarine network|date=8 August 2011|url=https://www.submarinenetworks.com/systems/intra-asia/i2i/bharti-and-singtel-establish-network-i2i-limited|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202122711/https://www.submarinenetworks.com/systems/intra-asia/i2i/bharti-and-singtel-establish-network-i2i-limited|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India's 1st undersea cable network ready|newspaper=[[The Economic Times|Economic Times]]|location=Singapore|date=8 April 2002|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6306817.cms|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817121213/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6306817.cms|archive-date=17 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BRICS Cable Unveiled for Direct and Cohesive Communications Services Between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa|publisher=Business Wire|date=16 April 2012|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120416005804/en/Brics-Cable-Unveiled-for-Direct-and-Cohesive-Communcations-Services-between-Brazil-Russia-India-China-and-South-Africa|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208184214/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120416005804/en/Brics-Cable-Unveiled-for-Direct-and-Cohesive-Communcations-Services-between-Brazil-Russia-India-China-and-South-Africa|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, four mobile phone service companies operate [[GSM]] networks including [[Bharti Airtel]], [[BSNL]], [[Vodafone Idea]] and [[Reliance Jio]] offering [[4G]] and [[5G]] mobile services.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.airtel.in/press-release/01-2023/airtel-5g-plus-now-live-in-5-cities-of-tamil-nadu|title=Coimbatore, Madurai, Hosur & Trichy gets ultrafast Airtel 5G Plus services in addition to Chennai|date=24 January 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Airtel|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182655/https://www.airtel.in/press-release/01-2023/airtel-5g-plus-now-live-in-5-cities-of-tamil-nadu|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TRAI">{{cite report|url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.124of2023_0.pdf|title=TRAI report, August 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=TRAI|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095115/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.124of2023_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Wireline and broadband services are offered by five major operators and other smaller local operators.<ref name="TRAI"/> Tamil Nadu is amongst the states with a high internet usage and penetration.<ref>{{cite news|title=After losing 6 lakh internet connections, Tamil Nadu adds|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=24 January 2021|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/after-losing-6l-net-connections-state-adds-2-million-in-july-sept/articleshow/80426908.cms|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182652/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/after-losing-6l-net-connections-state-adds-2-million-in-july-sept/articleshow/80426908.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the state government unveiled a plan to lay {{convert|55,000|km|abbr=on}} of [[optical fiber]] across the state to provide high-speed internet.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/jul/27/tamil-nadu-all-set-for-rs-1500-crore-mega-optic-fibre-network-1849287.html|title=Tamil Nadu all set for Rs 1,500 crore mega optic fibre network|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=27 July 2018|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206213544/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/jul/27/tamil-nadu-all-set-for-rs-1500-crore-mega-optic-fibre-network-1849287.html|archive-date=6 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tamil Nadu is one of the highly industrialised states in India. Over 11% of the ''S&P CNX 500'' conglomerates have corporate offices in Tamil Nadu.{{cn|date=February 2019}}


=== Power and energy ===
The state government owns the [[Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited|Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers]],{{sfn|TNPL|2012}} in [[Karur]].
[[File:Kudankulam_Nuclear_Power_Plant_Unit_1_and_2.jpg|thumb|[[Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant|Kudankulam]], the largest nuclear power station in India]]
Electricity distribution in the state is done by the [[Tamil Nadu Electricity Board]] headquartered at Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|title=TANGEDCO, contact|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|url=https://www.tangedco.org/en/tangedco/reach-us/contact-information/|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208185659/https://www.tangedco.org/en/tangedco/reach-us/contact-information/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the average daily consumption is 15,000 MW. Only 40% of the power is generated locally, with the remaining 60% met through purchases.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/01/chennai-ranks-second-among-big-cities-in-power-usage-2610530.html|title=Chennai ranks second among big cities in power usage|date=1 September 2023|newspaper=New Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182654/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/01/chennai-ranks-second-among-big-cities-in-power-usage-2610530.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, the state was the fourth largest power consumer with a per capita availability of 1588.7 Kwh.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22200|title=Per-capita availability of power|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225071620/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22200|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22203|title=Power consumption|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225070116/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22203|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the state has the [[States of India by installed power capacity|third highest]] installed power capacity of 38,248 MW with 54.6% from renewable resources.<ref name="PW">{{cite report|url=https://npp.gov.in/public-reports/cea/monthly/installcap/2023/OCT/capacity2-Southern-2023-10.pdf|title=Installed power capacity:Southern region|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331070509/https://npp.gov.in/public-reports/cea/monthly/installcap/2023/OCT/capacity2-Southern-2023-10.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22202|title=Installed power capacity|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225070117/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22202|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Thermal power]] is the largest contributor with more than 10,000 MW.<ref name="PW"/> Tamil Nadu is the only state with two operational [[nuclear power plant]]s. The plant at [[Madras Atomic Power Station|Kalpakkam]] is the first fully indigenous nuclear power station in India. The [[Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant]] is the largest nuclear power station in India. It generates nearly one-third of the total nuclear power generated in the country.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Chetal|first1=SC|title=Beyond PFBR to FBR 1 and 2|journal=IGC Newsletter|date=January 2013|volume=95|page=2|url=http://www.igcar.gov.in/lis/nl95/igc95.pdf|publisher=[[Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research]]|access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416223156/http://www.igcar.gov.in/lis/nl95/igc95.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Construction of unit 5 & 6 of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam commences|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/construction-of-unit-5-6-of-indias-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-kudankulam-commences-394688|access-date=1 December 2023|work=WION|date=17 February 2022|archive-date=21 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421082157/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/construction-of-unit-5-6-of-indias-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-kudankulam-commences-394688|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://aerb.gov.in/english/regulatory-facilities/nuclear-power-plants|title=Nuclear power plants|publisher=Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, [[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121095725/https://www.aerb.gov.in/english/regulatory-facilities/nuclear-power-plants|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu has the largest established wind power capacity in India with over 8,000 MW, mostly based out of two regions, [[Palghat Gap]] and [[Muppandal Wind Farm|Muppandal]]. The latter is one of the [[List of largest power stations#Wind|largest]] operational onshore wind farms in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mef45ehmdh/muppandal-wind-farm/#25626e5a5b83|title=Muppandal Wind Farm|first=Christopher|last=Helman|website=Forbes|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413044635/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mef45ehmdh/muppandal-wind-farm/#25626e5a5b83|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Media ===
[[Coimbatore]] is also referred to as "the Pump City" as it supplies two-thirds of India's requirements of motors and pumps. The city is one of the largest exporters of [[wet grinder]]s and [[Automobile|auto components]] and the term "Coimbatore Wet Grinder" has been given a [[Geographical indication]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://coimbatore.nic.in/industry.html |title=Industry of Coimbatore |accessdate=28 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730121603/http://coimbatore.nic.in/industry.html# |archive-date=30 July 2015 |dead-url=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
[[File:SUN network office.JPG|thumb|Headquarters of [[Sun Network]], India's largest private TV broadcaster]]
Newspaper publishing started in the state started with the launch of the weekly ''[[The Madras Courier]]'' in 1785.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-first-newspaper-of-madras-presidency-had-a-36-year-run/article66180704.ece|title=The first newspaper of Madras Presidency had a 36-year run|date=25 November 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=21 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021204421/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-first-newspaper-of-madras-presidency-had-a-36-year-run/article66180704.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It was followed by the weeklies ''[[Madras Gazette]]'' and ''[[Government Gazette]]'' in 1795.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cL7KVAqvSEYC&dq=madras+gazette+&pg=PA4|title=The Press in Tamil Nadu and the Struggle for Freedom, 1917-1937|publisher=South Asia Books|author=A. Ganesan|date=January 1988|pages=4|isbn=978-8-170-99082-6|access-date=25 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173448/https://books.google.com/books?id=cL7KVAqvSEYC&dq=madras+gazette+&pg=PA4#v=onepage&q=madras%20gazette&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/1955_7/9/the_story_of_the_indian_press.pdf|title=The Story of the Indian Press|author=Reba Chaudhuri|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|date=22 February 1955|access-date=25 December 2023|archive-date=25 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225131254/https://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/1955_7/9/the_story_of_the_indian_press.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[The Spectator (Indian newspaper)|The Spectator]]'', founded in 1836 was the first English newspaper to be owned by an Indian and became the first daily newspaper in 1853.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mxmindia.com/media/chennai175-madras-to-chennai-evolution-of-media-in-the-last-150-years/|title=Chennai@175: Madras to Chennai – Evolution of media in the last 150 years|work=MXM India|date=25 August 2014|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603084714/https://www.mxmindia.com/media/chennai175-madras-to-chennai-evolution-of-media-in-the-last-150-years/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Mail, Madras' only English eveninger and one of India's oldest newspapers, closes down|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/media/story/19820131-the-mail-madras-only-english-eveninger-and-one-of-indias-oldest-newspapers-closes-down-771474-2013-10-22|date=22 October 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=India Today|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326174134/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/media/story/19820131-the-mail-madras-only-english-eveninger-and-one-of-indias-oldest-newspapers-closes-down-771474-2013-10-22|url-status=live}}</ref> The first Tamil newspaper, ''[[Swadesamitran]]'' was launched in 1899.<ref>{{cite book|title=Madras Rediscovered|last=Muthiah|first=S.|year=2004|publisher=East West Books|isbn=978-8-188-66124-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r8UkDQAAQBAJ&q=andhra+patrika+madras|title=Classical Telugu Poetry: An Anthology|last1=Narayana|first1=Velcheru|last2=Shulman|first2=David|date=2002|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520225985}}</ref> The state has a number of newspapers and magazines published in various languages including Tamil, English and Telugu.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%209.pdf|title=Press in India 2021-22, Chapter 9|page=32|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095128/https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%209.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The major dailies with more than 100,000 circulation per day include ''[[The Hindu]]'', ''[[Dina Thanthi]]'', ''[[Dinakaran]]'', ''[[The Times of India]]'', ''[[Dina Malar]]'', and ''[[The Deccan Chronicle]]''.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%206.pdf|title=Press in India 2021-22, Chapter 6|page=8|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095105/https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%206.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Several periodicals and local newspapers prevalent in select localities also bring out editions from multiple cities.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%207.pdf|title=Press in India 2021-22, Chapter 7|page=5|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095118/https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%207.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


Government-run [[Doordarshan]] broadcasts terrestrial and [[satellite television]] channels from its Chennai centre set up in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prasarbharati.gov.in/dd-podhigai-homepage/contact/|title=DD Podighai|publisher=Prasar Bharti|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921161844/https://prasarbharati.gov.in/dd-podhigai-homepage/contact/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[DD Podhigai]], Doordarshan's Tamil language regional channel was launched on 14 April 1993.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/dd-podhigai-to-be-renamed-as-dd-tamil-from-pongal-day-mos-l-murugan-747473|title=DD Podhigai to be renamed as DD Tamil from Pongal day: MoS L Murugan|date=10 November 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=DT Next|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225063018/https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/dd-podhigai-to-be-renamed-as-dd-tamil-from-pongal-day-mos-l-murugan-747473|url-status=live}}</ref> There are more than 30 private satellite television networks including [[Sun Network]], one of India's largest broadcasting companies is the state, established in 1993.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://india.mom-gmr.org/en/owners/companies/detail/company/company/show/sun-group/|title=Sun Group|publisher=Media Ownership Monitor|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109202439/http://india.mom-gmr.org/en/owners/companies/detail/company/company/show/sun-group/|url-status=live}}</ref> The cable TV service is entirely controlled by the state government while [[Direct broadcast satellite|DTH]] and [[Internet Protocol television|IPTV]] is available via various private operators.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arasu Cable to launch operations from September 2|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/arasu-cable-to-launch-operations-from-september-2/article2411833.ece|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 August 2011|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209071342/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/arasu-cable-to-launch-operations-from-september-2/article2411833.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/bsnl-launches-iptv-services-to-its-customers-in-tamil-nadu/article66661237.ece|title=BSNL launches IPTV services to its customers in Tamil Nadu|date=25 March 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209071340/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/bsnl-launches-iptv-services-to-its-customers-in-tamil-nadu/article66661237.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Radio broadcasting]] began in 1924 by the Madras Presidency Radio Club.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthiah|first=S.|title=AIR Chennai's 80-year journey|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 May 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/air-chennais-80-year-journey/article23947443.ece|access-date=28 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035611/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/air-chennais-80-year-journey/article23947443.ece|archive-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> [[All India Radio]] was established in 1938.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsonair.gov.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=442780|title=All India Radio, Chennai celebrates 85th anniversary|date=16 June 2002|publisher=News on Air|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128191801/https://newsonair.gov.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=442780|url-status=live}}</ref> There are many [[amplitude modulation|AM]] and [[frequency modulation|FM]] radio stations operated by [[All India Radio]], [[Hello FM]], [[Suryan FM]], [[Radio Mirchi]], [[Radio City (Indian radio station)|Radio City]] and [[BIG FM 92.7|BIG FM]] among others.<ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Gilbert|editor-first=Sean|title=[[World Radio TV Handbook|World Radio TV Handbook 2007: The Directory of International Broadcasting]]|publisher=WRTH Publications Ltd.|year=2006|place=London|pages=237–242|isbn=0-823-05997-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://mruc.net/uploads/posts/cd072cdc13d2fe48ac660374d0c22a5d.pdf|title=IRS survey, 2019|publisher=MRUC|access-date=1 December 2023|page=46|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925203217/https://mruc.net/uploads/posts/cd072cdc13d2fe48ac660374d0c22a5d.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, the government of Tamil Nadu distributed free televisions to all families, which has led to high penetration of television services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jayalalithaa-govt-scraps-free-tv-scheme-in-tamil-nadu-1553514|title=Jayalalithaa govt scraps free TV scheme in Tamil Nadu|newspaper=DNA India|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707003607/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jayalalithaa-govt-scraps-free-tv-scheme-in-tamil-nadu-1553514|archive-date=7 July 2015|url-status=live|date=10 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/05/magazine/what-happens-when-a-state-is-run-by-movie-stars.html?_r=0|title=What Happens When a State Is Run by Movie Stars|newspaper=New York Times|date=July 2015|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705025800/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/05/magazine/what-happens-when-a-state-is-run-by-movie-stars.html?_r=0|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=live|last1=Romig|first1=Rollo}}</ref> From the early 2010s, [[Direct to Home]] has become increasingly popular replacing cable television services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/dth/dth-operator/fy-2015-inflection-point-for-dth-companies-in-india-150616|title=FY-2015: Inflection point for DTH companies in India|publisher=India Television|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707011318/http://www.indiantelevision.com/dth/dth-operator/fy-2015-inflection-point-for-dth-companies-in-india-150616|archive-date=7 July 2015|url-status=live|date=16 June 2015}}</ref> [[List of Tamil-language television channels|Tamil television]] serials form a major prime time source of entertainment.<ref>{{cite book|title=Regional Language Television in India: Profiles and Perspectives|year=2021|isbn=978-1-000-47008-6|publisher=Taylor & Francis|first=Mira|last=Desai}}</ref>
=== Electronics and software ===
Electronics manufacturing is a growing industry in Tamil Nadu, with many international companies like [[Nokia]], [[Flextronics]], [[Motorola]], [[Sony-Ericsson]], [[Foxconn]], [[Samsung]], [[Cisco]], [[Moser Baer]], [[Lenovo]], [[Dell]], [[Sanmina-SCI]], [[Texas Instruments]] having chosen Chennai as their south Asian manufacturing hub. Products manufactured include circuit boards and cellular phone handsets.{{sfn|''Business Line''|7 October 2005}}


===Others===
'''Tamil Nadu is the second largest software exporter by value in India'''. Software exports from Tamil Nadu grew from {{INR}} 76 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2003–04 to {{INR}} 207&nbsp;billion {$5 billion} by 2006–07 according to [[NASSCOM]]{{sfn|''Business Line''|7 May 2006}} and to {{INR}} 366&nbsp;billion in 2008–09 which shows 29 per cent growth in software exports according to [[STPI]]. Major national and global IT Companies such as [[Syntel]], [[Infosys]], [[Wipro]], [[HCL Enterprise|HCL]], [[Tata Consultancy Services]], [[Verizon]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]], [[Amazon.com]], [[eBay]], [[PayPal]], [[IBM]], [[Accenture]], [[Ramco Systems]], [[DXC Technology]], [[Cognizant]] Technology solutions, [[Tech Mahindra]], [[Polaris]], [[Aricent]], [[MphasiS]], [[Mindtree]], [[Hexaware Technologies]] and many others have offices in Tamil Nadu. The top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu have been a major recruiting hub for the IT firms. According to estimates, about 50 per cent of the HR required for the IT and ITES industry was being sourced from the State.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tcs-jumps-the-gun-in-campus-hiring/article7592763.ece?ref=tpnews |title=TCS jumps the gun in campus hiring |author=Sangeetha Kandavel |work=The Hindu |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041856/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tcs-jumps-the-gun-in-campus-hiring/article7592763.ece?ref=tpnews |archive-date=16 October 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Coimbatore is the second largest software producer in the state, next to Chennai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/coimbatore-it-sector-on-the-fast-track/1/136030.html |title=Coimbatore: IT sector on the fast track : NATION – India Today |work=intoday.in |access-date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015153045/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/coimbatore-it-sector-on-the-fast-track/1/136030.html |archive-date=15 October 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Fire services are handled by the [[Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services]] which operates 356 operating fire stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnfrs.tn.gov.in/about-us/station-list/|title=List of fire stations|publisher=Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173457/https://www.tnfrs.tn.gov.in/about-us/station-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> Postal service is handled by [[India Post]], which operates more than 11,800 post offices in the state.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/DOP_PDFFiles/tamilnadu.pdf|title=Post offices of Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[India Post]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225070909/https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/DOP_PDFFiles/tamilnadu.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The first post office was established at Fort St. George on 1 June 1786.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tamilnadupost.cept.gov.in/circle-history.php|title=History, Tamil Nadu circle|publisher=[[India Post]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204115809/https://tamilnadupost.cept.gov.in/circle-history.php|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Infrastructure ==
== Transportation ==
=== Transport ===
===Roads===
[[File:Highway Network of Tamil Nadu.png|thumb|Map indicating Highways network of Tamil Nadu]]
==== Road ====
{{Main|Road network in Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Looking-down-National-Highway-Chittode-Junction.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|A view of the NH 544 Expressway between [[Coimbatore]] and [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]] in Tamil Nadu]]
Tamil Nadu has an extensive road network covering about 271,000&nbsp;km as of 2023 with a road density of {{convert|2084.71|km}} per 1000&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> which is higher than the national average of {{convert|1926.02|km}} per 1000&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="Policy">{{cite report|title=Highway policy|url=https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/pdf/hw_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|publisher=[[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]], [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=15 July 2023|archive-date=16 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616204832/https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/pdf/hw_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]] (HD) of the state was established in April 1946 and is responsible for construction and maintenance of [[List of National Highways in India#Tamil Nadu|national highways]], state highways, major district roads and other roads in the state.<ref name="TNGov">{{cite report|url= http://www.tn.gov.in/gorders/par/par_e_202_2008.pdf|title= Highways Department renamed as Highways and Minor Ports Department|publisher= [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date= 15 July 2010|archive-date= 31 March 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120331122821/http://www.tn.gov.in/gorders/par/par_e_202_2008.pdf|url-status= live}}</ref> It operates through eleven wings with 120 divisions and maintains {{convert|73187|km}} of highways in the state.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/en/organization|title=Wings of Highways Department|publisher=[[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]], [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=15 July 2023|archive-date=1 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601220752/https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/en/organization|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HW">{{cite web|url=https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/en/aboutus|title=Tamil Nadu highways, about us|publisher=[[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]], [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=15 July 2023|archive-date=1 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601225355/https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/en/aboutus|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Pamban-bridge.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|Pamban road (left) and rail (right) bridges, connecting the Indian mainland with the [[Pamban Island]]]]
[[File:NMR Train on viaduct 05-02-26 33.jpeg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]]]]
[[File:Chennai airport view 4.jpeg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Chennai International Airport]], one of India's major international airports]]


{|class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center;" style="font-size: 100%"
{{Main|Transport in Tamil Nadu|Road network in Tamil Nadu}}
|+Road length in TN<ref name="HW"/>
!Type
!{{tooltip|NH|National Highways}}
!{{tooltip|SH|State Highways}}
!{{tooltip|MDR|Major District Roads}}
!{{tooltip|ODR|Other District Roads}}
!{{tooltip|OR|Other Roads}}
!'''Total'''
|-
|Length (km)
|6,805
|12,291
|12,034
|42,057
|197,542
|'''271,000'''
|}


[[File:Kathipara.jpg|thumb|[[Kathipara Junction|Kathipara flyover]] [[Cloverleaf interchange]] in [[Chennai]]]]
Tamil Nadu has a transportation system that connects all parts of the state. Tamil Nadu is served by an extensive road network, providing links between urban centres, agricultural market-places and rural areas. There are 29 national highways in the state, covering a total distance of {{convert|5006.14|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.morth.nic.in/showfile.asp?lid=1624 |title=National Highways Summary – Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India |work=morth.nic.in |access-date=11 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904023012/http://www.morth.nic.in/showfile.asp?lid=1624 |archive-date=4 September 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.morth.nic.in/message.asp?id=invalid |title=Join the Citizen Dialogue on Highway Safety – Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India |publisher=Morth.nic.in |date= |accessdate=2015-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917083944/http://morth.nic.in/message.asp?id=invalid |archive-date=17 September 2013 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The state is also a terminus for the [[Golden Quadrilateral]] project, that connects Indian metropolises like ([[New Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bengaluru]], [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]]). The state has a total road length of {{convert|167000|km|mi|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|60628|km|mi|abbr=on}} are maintained by Highways Department. This is nearly 2.5 times higher than the density of all-India road network.{{sfn|Tamil Nadu Highways|2012}} The major road junctions are Chennai, [[Vellore]], [[Madurai]], [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichy]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Tiruppur]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], [[Tirunelveli]], [[Thoothukudi|Tuticorin]], [[Karur]], [[Kumbakonam]], [[Krishnagiri]], Dindigul and Kanniyakumari. Road transport is provided by state owned [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]] and [[State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu)|State Express Transport Corporation]]. Almost every part of state is well connected by buses 24 hours a day. The State accounted for 13.6 per cent of all accidents in the country With 66,238 accidents in 2013, 11.3 per cent of all road accident deaths and 15 per cent of all road-related injuries, according to data provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Although Tamil Nadu accounts for the highest number of road accidents in India, it also leads in having reduced the number of fatalities in accident-prone areas with deployment of personnel and a sustained awareness campaign. The number of deaths at areas decreased from 1,053 in 2011 to 881 in 2012 and 867 in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/data/tn-reduces-deaths-in-road-accidents/article7461331.ece?theme=true |title=T.N. reduces deaths in road accidents |author=TCA Sharad Raghavan |work=The Hindu |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041856/http://www.thehindu.com/data/tn-reduces-deaths-in-road-accidents/article7461331.ece?theme=true |archive-date=16 October 2015 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


There are 48 National Highways in Tamil Nadu, totaling {{convert|6805|km}} in length. The National Highways Wing of the state highways department, established in 1971, is responsible for the maintenance of National Highways, as laid down by [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/en/nationalhighway|title=National Highways wing|publisher=[[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]], [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202061432/https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/en/nationalhighway|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/Details-of-National-Highways-as-on-31.03_1.pdf|title=Details of national highways|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=28 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228091514/https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/Details-of-National-Highways-as-on-31.03_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also [[List of state highways in Tamil Nadu|state highways]], totalling {{convert|6805|km}} long, which connect [[district]] headquarters, important towns and national highways in the state.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tnhighwaysengineers.com/upload/phone-directory.pdf|title=Highways Circle of Highways Department, Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]], [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202064513/https://www.tnhighwaysengineers.com/upload/phone-directory.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HW"/> As of 2020, 32,598 buses are operated with the state transport units operating 20,946 buses along with 7,596 private buses and 4,056 mini buses.<ref name="TNSTC"/> [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]] (TNSTC), established in 1947 when private buses operating in [[Madras presidency]] were nationalized, is the primary [[public transport]] bus operator in the state.<ref name="TNSTC">{{cite report|url=https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/Tamil%20Nadu%20STUs-pages.pdf|title=Tamil Nadu STUs|publisher=TNSTC|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331121802/https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/Tamil%20Nadu%20STUs-pages.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> It operates buses along intra and inter state bus routes, as well as city routes with eight divisions including the [[State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu)|State Express Transport Corporation Limited]] (SETC) which runs long-distance express services. Metropolitan Transport Corporation in Chennai and State Express Transport Corporation.<ref name="TNSTC"/><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/History-of-SETC.pdf|title=History of SETC|publisher=TNSTC|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095101/https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/History-of-SETC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2020, Tamil Nadu had 32.1 million registered vehicles.<ref name="RV">{{cite report|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/665693/total-number-of-vehicles-in-tamil-nadu-india/|title=Number of registered motor vehicles across Tamil Nadu in India from financial year 2007 to 2020|publisher=statista|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=12 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212204327/https://www.statista.com/statistics/665693/total-number-of-vehicles-in-tamil-nadu-india/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Rail ====
Tamil Nadu has a well-developed rail network as part of [[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]. Headquartered at [[Chennai]], the Southern Railway network extends over a large area of India's southern peninsula, covering the states of Tamil Nadu, [[Kerala]], Puducherry, a small portion of [[Karnataka]] and a small portion of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Express trains connect the state capital Chennai with Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. [[Chennai Central]] is gateway for train towards north whereas [[Chennai Egmore]] serves as gateway for south. Tamil Nadu has a total railway track length of {{convert|5952|km|mi|abbr=on}} and there are 532 railway stations in the state. The network connects the state with most major cities in India. The [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]] (part of the [[Mountain railways of India|Mountain Railways of India]]) is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site connecting [[Ooty]] on the hills and [[Mettupalayam, Coimbatore|Mettupalayam]] in the foot hills which is in turn connected to [[Coimbatore]] city. The centenary old [[Pamban Bridge]] over sea connecting [[Rameswaram]] in [[Pamban island]] to mainland is an engineering marvel. It is one of the oldest cantilever bridges still in operation, the double-leaf bascule bridge section can be raised to let boats and small ships pass through Palk Strait in Indian Ocean. The Government of Tamil Nadu created a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementing the Chennai Metro Rail Project. This SPV named as “[[Chennai Metro Rail Limited]]” was incorporated on 3 December 2007 under the Companies Act. It has now been converted into a Joint Venture of Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu with equal equity holding. Chennai has a well-established [[Transport in Chennai|suburban railway]] network and is constructing a [[Rapid transit|Chennai Metro]] with phase1 operational since July 2015 . Major railway junctions( 4 & above lines ) in the state are Chennai, Coimbatore, Katpadi, Madurai, Salem, Erode, Dindigul, Karur, Nagercoil, Tiruchirapalli and Tirunelveli. [[Chennai Central]], [[Madurai Junction]], [[Katpadi Junction]], [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]], [[Salem Junction]], [[Tiruchirappalli Junction]], [[Coimbatore Junction]] are upgraded to A1 grade level. Loco sheds are located at [[Erode]], [[Arakkonam]], Royapuram in [[Chennai]] and Tondaiyarpet in [[Chennai]], Ponmalai (GOC) in [[Tiruchirappalli]] as Diesel Loco Shed. The loco shed at [[Erode]] is a huge composite Electric and Diesel Loco shed. MRTS which covers from Chennai Beach to Velachery, and metro rail also running between Alandur and koyambedu station.


==== Airports ====
===Rail===
{{Main|List of airports in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Main|Southern Railway zone}}
[[File:Chennai_Central_Station_panorama.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Central]], one of the major railway stations]]
Tamil Nadu has four international airports namely [[Chennai International Airport]], [[Coimbatore International Airport]], [[Tiruchirapalli International Airport]] and [[Madurai International Airport]]. [[Salem Airport (India)|Salem Airport]] and [[Tuticorin Airport]] are domestic airports. [[Chennai International Airport]] is a major international airport and aviation hub in South Asia. Besides civilian airports, the state has four air bases of the [[Indian Air Force]] namely [[Thanjavur Air Force Station|Thanjavur AFS]], [[Tambaram Air Force Station|Tambram AFS]], [[Sulur Air Force Station|Coimbatore AFS]] and two naval air stations [[INS Rajali]] and [[INS Parundu]] of [[Indian Navy]].
[[File:Alstom Metropolis train-set at Guindy Metro station in Chennai.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Metro]] is the only metro operational in the state]]
The rail network in Tamil Nadu forms a part of [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]] of [[Indian Railways]], which is headquartered in Chennai with four divisions in the state namely [[Chennai railway division|Chennai]], [[Tiruchirappalli railway division|Tiruchirappalli]], [[Madurai railway division|Madurai]] and [[Salem railway division|Salem]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1|title=Southern Railways, about us|publisher=Southern Railway|access-date=12 August 2023|archive-date=16 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916104302/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2023, the state had a total railway track length of {{convert|5601|km|0|abbr=on}} covering a route length of {{convert|3858|km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SR1">{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1686894847523-System%20Map%202023%20signed.pdf|title=System map, Southern Railway|publisher=[[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204063842/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1686894847523-System%20Map%202023%20signed.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> There are 532 railway stations in the state with [[Chennai Central]], [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]], [[Coimbatore Junction railway station|Coimbatore Junction]] and [[Madurai Junction railway station|Madurai Junction]] being the top revenue earning stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/plan-your-trip/railways|title=Railways, plan your trip|publisher=Tamil Nadu tourism|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=7 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107192152/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/plan-your-trip/railways|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1659695525713-SR.pdf|title=List of stations|publisher=[[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095122/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1659695525713-SR.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Indian railways also has a coach manufacturing unit at [[Integral Coach Factory|Chennai]], [[electric locomotive]] sheds at [[Electric Loco Shed, Arakkonam|Arakkonam]], [[Electric Loco Shed, Erode|Erode]] and [[Electric Loco Shed, Royapuram|Royapuram]], [[diesel locomotive]] sheds at [[Diesel Loco Shed, Erode|Erode]], [[Diesel Loco Shed, Golden Rock|Tiruchirappalli]] and [[Diesel Loco Shed, Tondiarpet|Tondiarpet]], [[Steam locomotive]] shed at [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway|Coonoor]] along with various maintenance depots.
<ref>{{cite news|title=DNA Exclusive: Is It Time for Indian Railways to Tear Up Ageing Tracks and Old Machinery?|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/dna-exclusive-is-it-time-for-indian-railways-to-tear-up-ageing-tracks-and-old-machinery-2427973.html|publisher=[[Zee Media Corporation]]|date=14 January 2022|access-date=6 June 2023|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606192252/https://zeenews.india.com/india/dna-exclusive-is-it-time-for-indian-railways-to-tear-up-ageing-tracks-and-old-machinery-2427973.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html|title=Sheds and Workshops|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=1 June 2023|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606042648/https://irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" style="font-size: 85%"
==== Seaport ====
|+Railway in Tamil Nadu<ref name="SR1"/>
Tamil Nadu has three major [[seaport]]s located at [[Chennai Port|Chennai]], [[Ennore Port|Ennore]] and [[Tuticorin Port|Tuticorin]], as well as seven other minor ports including [[Cuddalore]] and [[Nagapattinam]].{{sfn|Tamil Nadu agricultural department|2009}} Chennai Port is an artificial harbour situated on the Coromandel Coast and is the second principal port in the country for handling containers. Ennore Port handles all the coal and ore traffic in Tamil Nadu. The volume of cargo in the ports grew by 13 per cent during 2005.{{sfn|Ennore Port|2011}}
!colspan="5"|Route length (km)
!colspan="3"|Track length (km)
|-
!colspan="3"|[[Broad-gauge railway|Broad Gauge]]
!rowspan="2"|[[Metre-gauge railway|Metre Gauge]]
!rowspan="2"|Total
!rowspan="2"|[[Broad-gauge railway|Broad Gauge]]
!rowspan="2"|[[Metre-gauge railway|Metre Gauge]]
!rowspan="2"|Total
|-
!Electrified
!Non electrified
!Total
|-
|style="text-align:center;"|3,476
|style="text-align:center;"|336
|style="text-align:center;"|3,812
|style="text-align:center;"|46
|style="text-align:center;"|3,858
|style="text-align:center;"|5,555
|style="text-align:center;"|46
|style="text-align:center;"|5,601
|}


Chennai has a well-established suburban railway network operated by Southern railway, covering {{cvt|212|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}} which was established in 1928.<ref name="CSR">{{cite report|title=Brief History of the Division|work=Chennai Division|publisher=Indian Railways—Southern Railways|url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|access-date=26 October 2012|lang=en|archive-date=30 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530085500/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1623903361519-CHENNAI%20DIVISION%20-%20CATEGORY-2021.pdf|title=List of Stations, Chennai|lang=en|publisher=Southern Railway|access-date=23 August 2023|archive-date=20 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200740/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1623903361519-CHENNAI%20DIVISION%20-%20CATEGORY-2021.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Mass Rapid Transit System (Chennai)|Mass Rapid Transit System]] (MRTS) is an elevated urban mass transit system established in 1995 operating on a single line from [[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]] to [[Velachery railway station|Velachery]].<ref name="CSR"/><ref name="MRTS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/mrts_phase1.html|title=About MRTS|publisher=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|access-date=31 August 2023|language=en|archive-date=12 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712090557/https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/mrts_phase1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chennai Metro]] is a [[rapid transit]] rail system in Chennai which was opened in 2015 and consists of two operational lines operating across {{cvt|54.1|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}} in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wcag.chennaimetrorail.org/project-status/|title=Project status of Chennai Metro|date=19 November 2015|publisher=Chennai Metro Rail Limited|access-date=31 August 2023|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901191324/https://wcag.chennaimetrorail.org/project-status/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]] is a {{Track gauge|1000mm|allk=on}} railway in [[Nilgiris district]] which was built by the [[United Kingdom|British]] in 1908 and is the only [[rack railway]] in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nilgiri mountain railway|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206122930/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|title=Mountain Railways of India|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=1 March 2010|archive-date=19 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219024051/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qzzlm|title=Indian Hill Railways: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway|date=21 February 2010|access-date=1 March 2010|medium=TV|publisher=BBC|archive-date=24 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224133659/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qzzlm|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Energy ===
[[File:Aralvaimozhi-Aerial.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Wind farm in [[Muppandal]] and Aralvaimozhi region near [[Nagercoil]]]]
[[File:KamuthiSolarPark.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Kamuthi Solar Power Project]] ]]


===Air and space===
'''Tamil Nadu has the third largest installed power generation capacity in the country'''. The [[Madras Atomic Power Station|Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Plant]], Ennore Thermal Plant, [[Neyveli]] Lignite Power Plant, many hydroelectric plants including [[Mettur Dam]], hundreds of windmills and the Narimanam Natural Gas Plants are major sources of Tamil Nadu's electricity. Tamil Nadu generates a significant proportion of its power needs from renewable sources with wind power installed capacity at over 7154 MW,<ref>[http://niwe.res.in/information_gi.php Welcome to Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222162111/http://niwe.res.in/information_gi.php |date=22 December 2015 }}</ref> accounting for 38 per cent of total installed wind power in India .{{sfn|Tamil Nadu energy policy|2009}} It is presently adding the [[Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant]] to its energy grid, which on completion would be the largest atomic power plant in the country with 2000MW installed capacity.{{sfn|NPCIL|2009}} The total installed capacity of electricity in the State by January 2014 was 20,716 MW.<ref>[http://www.cea.nic.in/reports/monthly/inst_capacity/jan14.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302093455/http://www.cea.nic.in/reports/monthly/inst_capacity/jan14.pdf|date=2 March 2014}}</ref> Tamil Nadu ranks [[States of India by installed power capacity|first nationwide]] in diesel-based thermal electricity generation with a national market share of over 34 per cent.{{sfn|Central Electrical Authority|2012}} From a power surplus state in 2005–06, Tamil Nadu has become a state facing severe power shortage over the recent years due to lack of new power generation projects and delay in the commercial power generation at [[Kudankulam Atomic Power Project]]. The Tuticorin Thermal Power Station has five 210 megawatt generators. The first generator was commissioned in July 1979. The thermal power plants under construction include the coal-based 1000 MW NLC TNEB Power Plant. From the current 17MW installed Solar power, Tamil Nadu government's new policy aims to increase the installed capacity to 3000MW by 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/guidelines_sbd_tariff_gridconnected_res/Tamilnadu%20Solar%20Energy%20Policy%202012.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302080730/http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/guidelines_sbd_tariff_gridconnected_res/Tamilnadu%20Solar%20Energy%20Policy%202012.pdf |archive-date=2 March 2014 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Kamuthi Solar Power Project]] was commissioned by [[Adani Power]] in [[Kamuthi]], [[Ramanathapuram district]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Adani-plans-1000MW-solar-power-plant-at-Ramanathapuram/articleshow/46569602.cms|title=Adani plans 1,000MW solar power plant at Ramanathapuram {{!}} Chennai News – Times of India|last=Mar 15|first=Julie Mariappan {{!}} TNN {{!}} Updated:|last2=2015|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-04-28|last3=Ist|first3=2:45|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217110621/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Adani-plans-1000MW-solar-power-plant-at-Ramanathapuram/articleshow/46569602.cms|archive-date=17 February 2019|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> With a generating capacity of 648 MW<sub>p</sub> at a single location, it is the [[List of photovoltaic power stations|world's sixth largest (as of 2018)]] solar park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/world-s-largest-solar-project-starts-feeding-electricity-into-national-grid/business-economy/news/517726.html|title=World's largest solar project|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428130501/http://www.uniindia.com/world-s-largest-solar-project-starts-feeding-electricity-into-national-grid/business-economy/news/517726.html|archive-date=28 April 2019|dead-url=no|access-date=|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/india-unveils-world-largest-solar-power-plant-161129101022044.html|title=India unveils the world's largest solar power plant|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2019-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428130518/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/india-unveils-world-largest-solar-power-plant-161129101022044.html|archive-date=28 April 2019|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:International Terminal Airside Chennai Airport Aug22 D72 24874.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai International Airport]] is one of the busiest airports in [[South Asia]]]]
The aviation history of the state began in 1910, when [[Giacomo D'Angelis]] built the first powered flight in Asia and tested it in [[The Island, Chennai|Island Grounds]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2021/05/mygov-10000000001960522275.pdf|title=History of Indian Air Force|publisher=[[Government of India]]|page=2|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208172949/https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2021/05/mygov-10000000001960522275.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1915, [[Tata Sons|Tata Air Mail]] started an airmail service between Karachi and Madras, marking the beginning of civil aviation in India.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=69345|title=100 years of civil aviation|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226224125/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=69345|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 October 1932, [[J. R. D. Tata]] flew a [[De Havilland Puss Moth|Puss Moth]] aircraft carrying air mail from Karachi to [[Bombay]]'s [[Juhu aerodrome|Juhu Airstrip]] and the flight was continued to Madras piloted by aviator [[Nevill Vintcent]] marking the first scheduled commercial flight.<ref>{{cite book|language=en|title=Britain's Imperial Air Routes, 1918 to 1939|last=Higham|first=Robin|page=168|publisher=Shoe String Press|year=1961|isbn=978-0-208-00171-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=De Havilland Gazette|year=1953|page=103|language=en|publisher=De Havilland Aircraft Company}}</ref> There are three [[international airport|international]], one [[customs airport|limited international]] and six domestic or private airports in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nocas2.aai.aero/nocas/AAI_Links/Airports-IFR-VFR-200815.pdf|title=List of Indian Airports (NOCAS)|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=22 October 2023|archive-date=2 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102073533/https://nocas2.aai.aero/nocas/AAI_Links/Airports-IFR-VFR-200815.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/basic_page_files/list%20of%20airport%20bilingual.pdf|title=List of Indian Airports|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212185132/https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/basic_page_files/list%20of%20airport%20bilingual.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Port of Chennai, India - panoramio.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai port]], amongst the busiest in South India]]


[[Chennai International Airport|Chennai airport]], which is the fourth busiest airport by passenger traffic in India, is a major international airport and the main gateway to the state.<ref name="AAI">{{cite report|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Sep2k23Annex2.pdf|type=pdf|title=Traffic Statistics, September 2023|publisher=Airport Authority of India|access-date=20 October 2023|archive-date=2 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102072028/https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Sep2k23Annex2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Other international airports in the state include [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]] and [[Tiruchirapalli International Airport|Tiruchirapalli]] while [[Madurai Airport|Madurai]] is a customs airport with limited international flights.<ref name="AAI"/> Domestic flights are operational to certain airports like [[Tuticorin Airport|Tuticorin]] and [[Salem Airport (India)|Salem]] while flights are planned to be introduced to more domestic airports by the [[UDAN]] scheme of [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Regional_Connectivity_Scheme_version_4.0%20_Scheme_Document_0.pdf|title=Regional Connectivity Scheme|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=17 August 2023|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002225126/https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Regional_Connectivity_Scheme_version_4.0%20_Scheme_Document_0.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The region comes under the purview of the [[Southern Air Command, Indian Air Force|Southern Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force]]. The Air Force operates three air bases in the state{{nbsp}}[[Sulur Air Force Station|Sulur]], [[Tambaram Air Force Station|Tambaram]] and [[Thanjavur Air Force Station|Thanjavur]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Air Force Commands|url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/zonal-maps/|publisher=[[Indian Air Force]]|access-date=29 June 2010|language=en|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528093815/https://indianairforce.nic.in/zonal-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Indian Navy]] operates airbases at [[INS Rajali|Arakkonam]], [[INS Parundu|Uchipuli]] and Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|title=Organisation of Southern Naval Command|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=26 August 2023|language=en|archive-date=6 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206221912/https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ENC Authorities & Units|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/enc-authorities-units|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=26 October 2015|language=en|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072321/http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/enc-authorities-units|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, [[Indian Space Research Organization]] (ISRO) announced the setting up a new rocket launch pad near [[Kulasekharapatnam]] in [[Thoothukudi district]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=6 December 2019|title=Why Thoothukudi was chosen as ISRO's second spaceport|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-thoothukudi-was-chosen-isro-s-second-spaceport-113331|date=2 December 2019|work=The News Minute|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202190344/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-thoothukudi-was-chosen-isro-s-second-spaceport-113331|archive-date=2 December 2019}}</ref>
== Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Tamil Nadu}}


===Water===
[[Kabbadi]], also known as Sadugudu, is recognised as the state game in Tamil Nadu.{{sfn|Li|2012|p=183}} The traditional sport of Tamil Nadu include [[Silambam]],{{sfn|Crego|2003|pp=32–33}} a Tamil martial arts played with a long bamboo staff, [[Cockfight]], [[Jallikattu]],{{sfn|Ramaswamy| 2007| pp= 73–74}} a bull taming sport famous on festival occasions, [[ox-wagon]] racing known as Rekkala,{{sfn|Croker|1907|p=223}}{{sfn|Crego|2003|pp=32–33}} [[Kite]] flying also known as Pattam viduthal,{{sfn|Ramaswamy| 2007| pp= 73–74}} Goli, the game with marbles,{{sfn|Ramaswamy| 2007| pp= 73–74}} Aadu Puli, the "goat and tiger" game{{sfn|Ramaswamy| 2007| pp= 73–74}} and Kabaddi also known as Sadugudu.{{sfn|Ramaswamy| 2007| pp= 73–74}} Most of these traditional sports are associated with festivals of land like [[Thai Pongal]] and mostly played in rural areas.{{sfn|Ramaswamy| 2007| pp= 73–74}} [[S. Ilavazhagi]] carrom world champion from 2002–2016
There are three major ports, [[Chennai Port|Chennai]], [[Kamarajar Port Limited|Ennore]] and [[V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority|Thoothukudi]], which are managed by the [[Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India)|Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways]] of the Government of India.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://dwiep.ncscm.res.in/images/port.pdf|title=Ports of India|access-date=1 November 2023|publisher=[[Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India)|Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways]], [[Government of India]]|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320115121/https://dwiep.ncscm.res.in/images/port.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> There is an intermediate sea port at [[Nagapattinam Port|Nagapattinam]] and sixteen other minor ports, which are managed by the department of highways and minor ports of the Government of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="Policy"/> Tamil Nadu forms part of both the [[Eastern Naval Command]] and [[Southern Naval Command]] of the Indian Navy, which has a major base at Chennai and logistics support base at [[Thoothukudi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/about-us/basic-organization.html|title=Basic Organization|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=4 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004063836/https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/about-us/basic-organization.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi|title=Southern naval command|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-date=6 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206221912/https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:The new and old stands at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium chennai]]
[[File:Viswanathan Anand 08 14 2005.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Viswanathan Anand]], world chess champion 2007–2013]]


== Education ==
The [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]] in Chennai is an international cricket ground with a capacity of 50,000 and houses the [[Tamil Nadu Cricket Association]].{{sfn|MA Chidambaram Stadium|2012}} [[Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan]],{{sfn|Srinivas Venkataraghavan|2012}} [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]],{{sfn|Kris Srikkanth|2012}} [[Laxman Sivaramakrishnan]],{{sfn|Laxman Sivaramakrishnan[[Sadagoppan Ramesh]], [[L Balaji|Laxmipathy Balaji]],{{sfn|Lakshmipathy Balaji|2012}} [[Murali Vijay]],{{sfn|Murali Vijay|2013}} [[Ravichandran Ashwin]]{{sfn|Ravichandran Ashwin|2012}} , [[Vijay Shankar (cricketer)|Vijay Shankar]] and [[Dinesh Karthik]] are some prominent cricketers from Tamil Nadu. The [[MRF Pace Foundation]] in Chennai is a popular fast bowling academy for pace bowlers all over the world. Cricket contests between local clubs, franchises and teams are popular in the state. [[Chennai Super Kings]] represent the city of Chennai in the [[Indian Premier League]], a popular [[Twenty20]] league. The Super Kings are the most successful team in the league with three IPL titles at par with Mumbai Indians and two [[CLT20]] titles.
{{Main|Education in Tamil Nadu}}


Tamil Nadu is one of the most literate states in India, with a literacy rate estimated to be 82.9% as per the 2017 National Statistical Commission survey, higher than the national average of 77.7%.<ref name="NSC"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Tamil-Nadu-Indias-most-literate-state-HRD-ministry/articleshow/46390844.cms|title=Tamil Nadu India's most literate state: HRD ministry|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 May 2003|access-date=1 September 2010|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215035621/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Tamil-Nadu-Indias-most-literate-state-HRD-ministry/articleshow/46390844.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The state had seen one of the highest literacy growth since the 1960s due to the [[Midday Meal Scheme|midday meal scheme]] introduced on a large scale by K. Kamaraj to increase school enrollment.<ref>{{cite report|year=2011|title=Literacy rates|url=https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Publications/PDFs/6TABLE4134B659E3B243EE9CB292D36ABC281B.PDF|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921224039/https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Publications/PDFs/6TABLE4134B659E3B243EE9CB292D36ABC281B.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Muthiah|first=S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C&pg=PA354|title=Madras, Chennai: A 400-year Record of the First City of Modern India|date=2008|publisher=Palaniappa Brothers|isbn=978-8-183-79468-8|page=354}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Sinha|first=Dipa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hyYFDAAAQBAJ&q=kamaraj+free+school+uniform&pg=PT119|title=Women, Health and Public Services in India: Why are states different?|date=20 April 2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-23525-5|access-date=14 November 2020|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701171453/https://books.google.com/books?id=hyYFDAAAQBAJ&q=kamaraj+free+school+uniform&pg=PT119|url-status=live}}</ref> The scheme was further upgraded in 1982 to "Nutritious noon-meal scheme" to combat [[Malnutrition in India|malnutrition]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=K.|date=22 December 2022|title=When MGR proved Manmohan wrong on a visionary scheme|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/when-mgr-proved-manmohan-wrong-on-a-visionary-scheme/article66293772.ece|url-access=limited|access-date=2022-12-26|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719225830/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/when-mgr-proved-manmohan-wrong-on-a-visionary-scheme/article66293772.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mgr-midday-nutritious-meal-scheme-a-shrewd-political-move/1/392281.html|title=Tamil Nadu: Midday Manna|work=[[India Today]]|date=15 November 1982|access-date=29 January 2016|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204211603/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mgr-midday-nutritious-meal-scheme-a-shrewd-political-move/1/392281.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, the state has one of the highest enrollment to secondary education at 95.6%, far above the national average of 79.6%.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22071|title=Gross enrollment ratio|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22071|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tennis is also a popular sport in Tamil Nadu with notable international players including [[Ramesh Krishnan]],{{sfn|Garg|2010|p=316}} [[Ramanathan Krishnan]],{{sfn|Garg|2010|p=316}} [[Vijay Amritraj]]{{sfn|Garg|2010|p=327}} and [[Mahesh Bhupathi]]. [[Nirupama Vaidyanathan]], the first Indian women to play in a grandslam tournament also hails from the state. The [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] [[Chennai Open]] tournament is held in Chennai every January. The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) owns [[SDAT Tennis Stadium|Nungambakkam tennis stadium]] which hosts Chennai Open and Davis Cup play-off tournaments.
An analysis of primary school education by [[Pratham]] showed a low drop-off rate but poor quality of education compared to certain other states.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bunting|first=Madeleine|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/mar/15/education-goals-assessment-india-school|title=Quality of Primary Education in States|work=The Guardian|date=15 March 2011|access-date=20 May 2012|location=London|archive-date=8 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208204151/http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/mar/15/education-goals-assessment-india-school|url-status=live}}</ref>


{{As of|2022}}, the state had over 37,211 government schools, 8,403 government-aided schools and 12,631 private schools which educate 5.47 million, 2.84 million, and 5.69 million students respectively.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/sedu_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|title=School education department, policy 2023-24|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103122900/https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/sedu_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/987-out-of-over-11000-private-schools-in-tamil-nadu-remain-shut-following-kallakurichi-violence/article65653894.ece|title=987 out of over 11000 private schools shut|date=18 July 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/987-out-of-over-11000-private-schools-in-tamil-nadu-remain-shut-following-kallakurichi-violence/article65653894.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There are 3,12,683 teachers with 80,217 teachers in government-aided schools with an average teacher-pupil ratio of 1:26.6.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.edexlive.com/news/2022/jun/01/is-tamil-nadu-government-sidelining-government-aided-schools-29135.html|title=Is Tamil Nadu government sidelining government aided schools|work=Edex|date=1 June 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://www.edexlive.com/news/2022/jun/01/is-tamil-nadu-government-sidelining-government-aided-schools-29135.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Public schools are all affiliated with the [[Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education|Tamil Nadu State Board]], while private schools may be affiliated with either of Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education, [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] (CBSE), [[Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations]] (ICSE) or [[National Institute of Open Schooling]] (NIOS).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2023/05/23/tn-private-schools-told-to-teach-tamil-for-students-till-class-10|title=TN private schools told to teach Tamil for students till Class 10|date=23 May 2023|newspaper=DT Next|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208160150/https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2023/05/23/tn-private-schools-told-to-teach-tamil-for-students-till-class-10|url-status=live}}</ref> School education starts with two years of kindergarten from age three onwards and then follows the Indian [[Education in India|10+2 plan]], ten years of school and two years of higher secondary education.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecivilindia.com/pages/education/structure-of-education-india.html|title=Educational structure|publisher=Civil India|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=24 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324160622/https://www.thecivilindia.com/pages/education/structure-of-education-india.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Tamil Nadu Hockey Association is the governing body of [[Field Hockey|Hockey]] in the state. [[Vasudevan Baskaran]] was the captain of the Indian team that won gold medal in 1980 Olympics at Moscow. The [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium]] in Chennai hosts international hockey events and is regarded by the [[International Hockey Federation]] as one of the best in the world for its infrastructure.{{sfn|''The Hindu''|20 October 2004}}


[[File:Senate House (University of Madras).jpg|thumb|left|[[University of Madras]], one of the oldest universities in India]]
Tamil Nadu also has Golf ground in Coimbatore, The [[Coimbatore Golf Club]] is an 18-hole golf course located in a place called Chettipalayam in Coimbatore, located within the city limits in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The Club is also a popular venue for major Golf Tournaments held in India.


{{As of|2023}}, there are 56 universities in the state including 24 [[Public university|public universities]], four [[Private University|private universities]] and 28 [[Deemed university|deemed-to-be universities]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aubsp.com/universities-in-tamil-nadu/|title=Universities in Tamil Nadu|date=8 June 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=AUBSP|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://www.aubsp.com/universities-in-tamil-nadu/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[University of Madras]] was founded in 1857 and is one of India's first modern universities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/a-brief-history-of-the-modern-indian-university|title=A brief history of the modern Indian university|date=24 November 2016|work=Times Higher Education|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727204708/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/a-brief-history-of-the-modern-indian-university|archive-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> There are 510 engineering colleges including 34 government colleges in the state.<ref name="Gov1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/tamil-nadu-over-200-engineering-colleges-fill-just-10-seats-37-get-zero-admission/articleshow/102983032.cms|title=Tamil Nadu: Over 200 engineering colleges fill just 10% seats; 37 get zero admission|date=23 August 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/tamil-nadu-over-200-engineering-colleges-fill-just-10-seats-37-get-zero-admission/articleshow/102983032.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Indian Institute of Technology Madras]] is a premier institute of engineering and [[College of Engineering, Guindy]], [[Anna University]] founded in 1794 is the oldest engineering college in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/ldquoSome-colleges-schools-in-Chennai-oldest-in-countryrdquo/article16520378.ece|title=Some colleges, schools in Chennai oldest in country|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 September 2009|access-date=31 May 2018|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323074238/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/ldquoSome-colleges-schools-in-Chennai-oldest-in-countryrdquo/article16520378.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Officers Training Academy]] of the [[Indian Army]] is headquartered at Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pranab Mukherjee to review passing-out parade at Chennai OTA|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pranab-mukherjee-to-review-passingout-parade-at-chennai-ota/article9040488.ece|access-date=28 August 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=27 August 2016|location=Chennai|language=en-IN|archive-date=27 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827125317/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pranab-mukherjee-to-review-passingout-parade-at-chennai-ota/article9040488.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also 496 [[Institute of technology|polytechnic]] institutions with 92 government colleges and 935 arts and science colleges in the state including 302 government run colleges.<ref name="Gov1">{{cite report|url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/hedu_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|title=Higher education policy report 2023-24|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105040554/https://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/hedu_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://static.tneaonline.org/docs/arts/college_list.pdf?t=1685000725270|title=Arts college list|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=19 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419103006/https://static.tneaonline.org/docs/arts/college_list.pdf?t=1685000725270|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.aicte-india.org/downloads/approved_institut_websites/tn.pdf|title=AICTE Approved Institutions in Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[All India Council for Technical Education]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://www.aicte-india.org/downloads/approved_institut_websites/tn.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Christian College]] (1837), [[Presidency College, Madras|Presidency College]] (1840) and [[Pachaiyappa's College]] (1842) are amongst the oldest arts and science colleges in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-colleges-100-and-counting/article6273124.ece|title=Chennai colleges 100 and counting|date=2 August 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051940/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-colleges-100-and-counting/article6273124.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), a government body, is vested with the responsibility of developing sports and related infrastructure in the state.{{sfn|TN Sports and Youth Welfare department|1992}} The SDAT owns and operates world class stadiums and organises sporting events.{{sfn|Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu|2012}} It also accommodates sporting events, both at domestic and international level, organised by other sports associations at its venues. The [[YMCA]] College of Physical Education at Nandanam in Chennai was established in 1920 and was the first college for physical education in Asia. The [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in Chennai is a multi-purpose stadium hosting [[association football|football]] and track & field events. The Indian Triathlon Federation and the Volleyball Federation of India are headquartered in Chennai. Chennai hosted India's first ever International Beach Volleyball Championship in 2008. The SDAT&nbsp;– TNSRA [[Squash (sport)|Squash]] Academy in Chennai is one of the very few academies in south Asia hosting international squash events.[[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in Coimbatore, it is a football stadium and also a multi-purpose stadium in Coimbatore constructed in 1971.
[[File:Connemara_Public_Library,_Chennai-8.jpg|thumb|[[Connemara Public Library]] is one of the oldest and is amongst the four [[National Depository Centre]]s in India]]


There are over 870 medical, nursing and dental colleges in the state including 21 for traditional medicine and four for modern medicine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnmgrmu.ac.in/index.php/examination/2-uncategorised/2874-a.html|title=Affiliated colleges|publisher=Dr MGR university|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The [[Madras Medical College]] was established in 1835 and is one of the oldest medical colleges in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmc.ac.in/mmc/content_page.jsp?sq1=ih&sqf=415|title=Institution History|publisher=Madras Medical College|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515184430/http://www.mmc.ac.in/mmc/content_page.jsp?sq1=ih&sqf=415|url-status=live }}</ref> As per the [[National Institutional Ranking Framework]] (NIRF) rankings in 2023, 26 universities, 15 engineering, 35 arts science, 8 management and 8 medical colleges from the state are ranked amongst the top 100 in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thesouthfirst.com/sf-specials/nirf-rankings-2023-53-colleges-from-south-india-in-the-top-100/|title=NIRF Rankings 2023: 53 colleges from South India in the top 100|date=6 June 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|work=South First|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://thesouthfirst.com/sf-specials/nirf-rankings-2023-53-colleges-from-south-india-in-the-top-100/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nirfindia.org/nirfpdfcdn/2023/pdf/Report/IR2023_Report.pdf|title=NIRF rankings 2023|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922083956/https://www.nirfindia.org/nirfpdfcdn/2023/pdf/Report/IR2023_Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the state has a 69% reservation in educational institutions for socially [[List of denotified communities of Tamil Nadu|backward sections]] of society, the highest among all Indian states.<ref>{{cite news|work=News minute|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/how-tamil-nadu-s-reservation-stands-69-despite-50-quota-cap-146116|title=How Tamil Nadu's reservation stands at 69% despite the 50% quota cap|date=29 March 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225051939/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/how-tamil-nadu-s-reservation-stands-69-despite-50-quota-cap-146116|url-status=live}}</ref> There are ten [[Institutes of National Importance|institutes of national importance]] in the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Institution of National Importance|url=https://www.education.gov.in/institutions-national-importance|access-date=12 August 2023|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=11 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811141036/https://www.education.gov.in/institutions-national-importance|url-status=live}}</ref> Research institutes including [[Tamil Nadu Agricultural University]], [[Central Institute for Cotton Research]], [[Sugarcane Breeding Research Institute]], [[Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB)]] and [[Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education]] are involved in agricultural research.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp/wg_agrsch.pdf|title=Working group committee on agriculture|publisher=Planning Commission of India|access-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407092417/http://planningcommission.nic.in/aboutus/committee/wrkgrp/wg_agrsch.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About ICFRE|url=http://www.icfre.org/index.php?linkid=left8311&link=1|work=Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education|access-date=22 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003624/http://www.icfre.org/index.php?linkid=left8311&link=1|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education|url=http://ifgtb.icfre.gov.in/|work=Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education|access-date=22 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030151240/http://ifgtb.icfre.gov.in/|archive-date=30 October 2013}}</ref>
== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:Tanjore Big Temple - Brihadeeswarar Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur]] is a [[UNESCO]] world heritage site]]
The tourism industry of Tamil Nadu is the largest in India, with an annual growth rate of 16 per cent. Tourism in Tamil Nadu is promoted by [[Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation]] (TTDC), a Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking. According to [[Ministry of Tourism (India)|Ministry of Tourism]] statistics, 4.68&nbsp;million foreign (20.1% share of the country) and 333.5&nbsp;million domestic tourists (23.3% share of the country) visited the state in 2015 making it the most visited state in India both domestic and foreign tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/India%20Tourism%20Book%20English.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517101307/http://www.tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/India%20Tourism%20Book%20English.pdf |archive-date=17 May 2017 |dead-url=no |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The state boasts some of the grand [[Hindu temple]]s built in [[Dravidian architecture]]. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, [[Brihadishwara Temple]] in [[Thanjavur]], [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]] and the [[Airavatesvara Temple]] in [[Darasuram]] (Great Chola Temples) and the [[Shore Temple]] along with the collection of other monuments in [[Mahabalipuram]] (also called Mamallapuram) have been declared as [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]].{{sfn|UNESCO Chola temples|2012}}{{sfn|UNESCO Mahabalipuram temples|2012}}


{{As of|2023}}, the state has 4,622 public libraries.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.rrrlf.nic.in/Docs/pdf/PUBLIC_LIBRARY_DATA.pdf|title=Public library data|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=14 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814211226/http://rrrlf.nic.in/Docs/pdf/PUBLIC_LIBRARY_DATA.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Established in 1896, [[Connemara Public Library]] is one of the oldest and is amongst the four [[National Depository Centre]]s in India that receive a copy of all newspapers and books published in the country. The [[Anna Centenary Library]] is the largest library in Asia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/96894/chennai-now-boasts-south-asias.html|last=Venkatsh|first=M. R.|title=Chennai now boasts South Asia's largest library|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|date=15 September 2010|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227105421/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/96894/chennai-now-boasts-south-asias.html|archive-date=27 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Connemara-librarys-online-catalogue-launched/article16372153.ece|title=Connemara library's online catalogue launched|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012|date=23 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407185717/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Connemara-librarys-online-catalogue-launched/article16372153.ece|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> There are many research institutions spread across the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csir.res.in/csir-labs|title=CSIR labs|publisher=CSIR|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208160153/https://www.csir.res.in/csir-labs|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai book fair is an annual book fair organized by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) and is typically held in December–January.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/edu-minister-says-2nd-intl-book-fair-in-jan-2024/articleshow/100835652.cms|title=Edu minister says 2nd int'l book fair in Jan 2024|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=8 June 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
== See also ==
{{Div col}}
* [[History of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Chronology of Tamil history]]
* [[Tamil inscriptions]]
* [[Tamizhi]]
* [[List of countries where Tamil is an official language]]
* [[Outline of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Coastline of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Tamil culture]]
* [[Tamil diaspora]]
* [[Tamil Eelam]]
* [[Tamil Muslim]]
* [[List of dams and reservoirs in Tamil Nadu]]
{{Div col end}}


== Tourism and recreation==
== References ==
{{Main|Tourism in Tamil Nadu}}
=== Citations ===
[[File:NMR Train on viaduct 05-02-26 33.jpeg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]] in the [[Nilgiri hills]] is a declared [[World Heritage Site]]]]
{{Reflist}}
With its diverse culture and architecture and varied geographies, Tamil Nadu has a robust tourism industry. In 1971, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] established the [[Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation]], which is the nodal agency responsible for the promotion of [[tourism]] and development of tourist related infrastructure in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/department/32|title=Tourism,Culture and Religious Endowments Department|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=1 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002075336/https://www.tn.gov.in/department/32|url-status=live}}</ref> It is managed by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department|Tourism,Culture and Religious Endowments Department]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/rti/proactive/inftour/handbook_ttdc.pdf|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|title=Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited|access-date=1 October 2023|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130115242/https://www.tn.gov.in/rti/proactive/inftour/handbook_ttdc.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The tag line "Enchanting Tamil Nadu" was adopted in the tourism promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tourism.gov.in/webcast/enchanting-tamil-nadu-culture|title=Enchanting Tamil Nadu|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 October 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603090225/https://tourism.gov.in/webcast/enchanting-tamil-nadu-culture|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EC">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/tamil-nadu-ranks-first-for-domestic-tourism-official/articleshow/44713716.cms|title=Tamil Nadu ranks first for domestic tourism: Official|date=10 November 2014|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603090231/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/tamil-nadu-ranks-first-for-domestic-tourism-official/articleshow/44713716.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 21st century, the state has been amongst the top destinations for domestic and international tourists.<ref name="EC"/><ref>{{cite report|title=India Tourism Statistics 2020|url=https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-05/INDIA%20TOURISM%20STATISTICS%202020.pdf|access-date=10 August 2023|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608163829/https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-05/INDIA%20TOURISM%20STATISTICS%202020.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, Tamil Nadu recorded the most tourist foot-falls with more than 140.7 million tourists visiting the state.<ref name="CR">{{cite report|url=https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-09/India%20Tourism%20Statistics%202022%20%28English%29.pdf|title=India Tourism statistics-2021|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922083717/https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-09/India%20Tourism%20Statistics%202022%20%28English%29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


Tamil Nadu's coastline is {{convert|1,076|km}} long, with many beaches dotting the coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/beaches|title=Tamil Nadu beaches|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222142050/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/beaches|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marina Beach]] spanning {{cvt|13|km|abbr=on}} is the second-longest urban beach in the world.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJfu5vbPbA0C&pg=PA81|title=Observing our environment from space: new solutions for a new millennium|author=EARSeL|year=2002|isbn=978-9-058-09254-0|publisher=A. A. Balakema|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603090223/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJfu5vbPbA0C&pg=PA81|url-status=live}}</ref> As the state is straddled by the Western and Eastern ghats, it is home to many hill stations, popular amongst them are [[Ooty|Udagamandalam]] (Ooty) situated in the [[Nilgiri Hills]] and [[Kodaikanal]] in the Palani hills.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/hills|title=Tamil Nadu hill stations|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222143609/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/hills|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-valuead-initiative/ooty-the-queen-of-hill-stations-in-south-india/1725177/|title=Ooty: The Queen Of Hill Stations In South India|date=22 August 2023|newspaper=Print|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222143743/https://theprint.in/theprint-valuead-initiative/ooty-the-queen-of-hill-stations-in-south-india/1725177/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/ooty|title=Ooty|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222143745/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/ooty|url-status=live}}</ref> There are a number of [[Indian rock-cut architecture|rock-cut]] cave-temples and more than 34,000 temples in Tamil Nadu built across various periods some of which are several centuries old.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Tamil-Nadu-Andhra-Pradesh-build-temple-ties-to-boost-tourism/articleshow/6284409.cms|title=Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh build temple ties to boost tourism|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 August 2010|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418203859/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Tamil-Nadu-Andhra-Pradesh-build-temple-ties-to-boost-tourism/articleshow/6284409.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Cave-temples in the Regions of the Pāṇdya, Muttaraiya, Atiyamān̤ and Āy Dynasties in Tamil Nadu and Kerala|first=D.|last=Dayalan|year=2014|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref> With many rivers and streams, there are a number of waterfalls in the state including the [[Courtallam]] and [[Hogenakkal Falls]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/coutrallam-waterfalls|title=Coutrallam|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223074246/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/coutrallam-waterfalls|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/waterfalls|title=Waterfalls|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223074249/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/waterfalls|url-status=live}}</ref> There are four [[World Heritage Site]]s declared by [[UNESCO]] in the state: [[Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/|title=Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=4 November 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051104085753/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Great Living Chola Temples]],<ref name="Great Living Chola Temples"/> [[Nilgiri Mountain Railway]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Nilgiri Mountain Railway|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|publisher=Indian Railway|access-date=21 August 2019|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206122930/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?fontColor=black&backgroundColor=LIGHTSTEELBLUE&lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,552|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|title=Mountain Railways of India|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=19 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219024051/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]].<ref>{{cite news|date=27 January 2021|title=Conservationist joins SC panel on elephant corridor case|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/conservationist-joins-sc-panel-on-elephant-corridor-case/article33678554.ece|access-date=28 January 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128055024/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/conservationist-joins-sc-panel-on-elephant-corridor-case/article33678554.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/aspac/nilgiri|title=Nilgiri biosphere|date=11 January 2019|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202001705/https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/aspac/nilgiri|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Sources ===
{{refbegin|40em}}
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* {{cite web |url=http://www.morth.nic.in/statedetailsmain.asp |title=National Highways in Tamil Nadu |publisher=Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India |accessdate=24 January 2012 |year=2012 |ref={{sfnRef|National Highways in Tamil Nadu|2012}}}}
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* {{cite web |url=http://www.cea.nic.in/reports/monthly/executive_rep/feb12/27-33.pdf |title=Central Electricity Authority, GOI |accessdate=20 May 2012 |year=2012 |ref={{sfnRef|Central Electrical Authority|2012}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510120149/http://cea.nic.in/reports/monthly/executive_rep/feb12/27-33.pdf |archivedate=10 May 2012 |df=dmy-all }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/citizen/sdat.htm |title=Youth Welfare & Sports Development Department |publisher=Tn.gov.in |year=1992 |accessdate=4 November 2010 |ref={{sfnRef|TN Sports and Youth Welfare department|1992}}}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.sdat.in/facilities.html |title=Sports development authority of Tamil Nadu, Chennai 600 084 |publisher=Sdat.in |year=2012 |accessdate=10 September 2012 |ref={{sfnRef|Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu|2012}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421125616/http://www.sdat.in/facilities.html |archivedate=21 April 2012 |df=dmy-all }}
* {{cite web |url=http://tourism.gov.in/writereaddata/CMSPagePicture/file/Primary%20Content/MR/pub-OR-statistics/2010Statistics.pdf |title=Tourism Statistics of India |accessdate=20 May 2012 |year=2010 |ref={{sfnRef|Tamil Nadu tourism statistics|2010}} |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131075557/http://tourism.gov.in/writereaddata/CMSPagePicture/file/Primary%20Content/MR/pub-OR-statistics/2010Statistics.pdf |archivedate=31 January 2012 |df=dmy-all }}
* {{cite web |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250 |title=Great Living Chola Temples&nbsp;– UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=Whc.unesco.org |date=28 March 2012 |accessdate=10 September 2012 |ref={{sfnRef|UNESCO Chola temples|2012}}}}
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* {{cite book |first=Bithia Mary |last=Croker |title=The company's servant: a romance of southern India, Volume 1 |publisher=Hurst and Blackett, Limited |year=1907 |location=London |url=https://books.google.com/?id=7mgOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA223&dq=rekla+race#v=onepage&q=rekla%20race&f=false |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |first=Anwar S. |last=Dil |title=Language and Linguistic Area: Essays by Murray Barnson Emeneau |publisher=Stanford University Press: Stanford, California&nbsp;– Reprinted (1980) |year=1980 |ref=harv}}
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* {{cite book |first=Chitra |last=Garg |title=Indian Champions: Profiles Of Famous Indian Sportspersons |isbn=978-0-313-31610-4 |publisher=Rajpal and Sons |location=Delhi |year=2010 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=Fq1wdzqhu6kC&pg=PA327&dq=Tamil+Nadu+tennis#v=onepage&q&f=false |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |title=Riding the Indian tiger: understanding India—the world's fastest growing market |edition= |first=William |last=Nobrega |author2=Ashish Sinha |year=2008 |page=20 |publisher=John Wiley and Sons |isbn= |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book |title=International Sport Management |edition= |first=Ming |last=Li |author2=Eric W. MacIntosh |author3=Gonzalo A. Bravo |year=2012 |publisher=Ming Li, Eric W. MacIntosh, Gonzalo A. Bravo |isbn=978-0-7360-8273-0 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=udBgtzFSlBIC&pg=PA183&dq=tamil+nadu+kabaddi#v=onepage&q=tamil%20nadu%20kabaddi&f=false |ref=harv}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ramaswamy |first=Vijaya |authorlink= |title=Historical dictionary of the Tamils |year=2007 |publisher=Scarecrow Press, INC. |location=United States |isbn=978-0-470-82958-5 |url=https://books.google.com/?id=H4q0DHGMcjEC&pg=PA73&dq=kite+flying+%2B+tamil+nadu#v=onepage&q=kite%20flying%20%2B%20tamil%20nadu&f=false |ref=harv |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->&#123;&#123;inconsistent citations&#125;&#125;}}.
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* {{cite book |last=Sastri |first=K.A. Nilakanta |title=A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar |origyear=1955 |year=2002 |publisher=Indian Branch, Oxford University Press |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-0-19-560686-7}}
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* {{citation |title=Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu |work=Tripoto |url=https://www.tripoto.com/places-to-visit/india/tamil-nadu |accessdate=2 November 2014}}
{{refend}}


== External links ==
==Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Z148}}<!-- {{No more links}}
[[File:Sadugudu sadugude.jpg|thumb|[[Kabaddi]] is the state game of Tamil Nadu]]


[[Kabaddi]] is a [[contact sport]] which is the state game of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportycious.com/introduction-kabaddi-history-rules-information-91452|title=Kabaddi Introduction, Rules, Information, History & Competitions|last=siddharth|date=31 December 2016|website=Sportycious|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814165951/https://sportycious.com/introduction-kabaddi-history-rules-information-91452|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=International Sport Management|first1=Ming|last1=Li|first2=Eric W.|last2=MacIntosh|first3=Gonzalo A.|last3=Bravo|year=2012|publisher=Ming Li, Eric W. MacIntosh, Gonzalo A. Bravo|isbn=978-0-736-08273-0|page=106}}</ref> [[Pro Kabaddi League]] is the most popular region based franchise tournament with [[Tamil Thalaivas]] representing the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pro Kabaddi League Teams|url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/teams|access-date=23 August 2023|language=en|publisher=Pro Kabbadi|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827164341/https://www.prokabaddi.com/teams|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-28660432|title=Kabaddi gets the IPL treatment|date=7 August 2014|work=BBC News|access-date=25 April 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306160132/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-28660432|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chess]] is a popular [[board game]] which originated as [[Chaturanga|Sathurangam]] in the 7th century CE.<ref>{{cite book|author=Murray, H. J. R.|title=A History of Chess|publisher=Benjamin Press|year=1913|isbn=978-0-936-31701-4|quote=Chathuranga, four-handed dice chess}}</ref> Chennai is often dubbed "India's chess capital" as the city is home to multiple chess [[Grandmaster (chess)|grandmaster]]s, including former world champion [[Viswanathan Anand]]. The state played host to the [[World Chess Championship 2013]] and [[44th Chess Olympiad]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chess/story/_/id/29276320/back-chennai-viswanathan-anand-looks-forward-home-food-bonding-son|title=Back in Chennai, Viswanathan Anand looks forward to home food and bonding with son|date=6 June 2020|website=[[ESPN]]|first=Susan|last=Ninan|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426215559/https://www.espn.com/chess/story/_/id/29276320/back-chennai-viswanathan-anand-looks-forward-home-food-bonding-son|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shanker|first1=V. Prem|last2=Pidaparthy|first2=Umika|title=Chennai: India's chess capital|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=27 November 2013|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2013/11/27/chennai-indias-chess-capital|access-date=27 July 2022|archive-date=27 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727175311/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2013/11/27/chennai-indias-chess-capital|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/chess-olympiad-chennai-july-india-russia-ukraine-war-aicf-fide-sports-news/article38472034.ece|title=Chennai to host first ever Chess Olympiad in India from July 28|date=12 April 2022|publisher=[[Sportstar]]|access-date=23 July 2022|archive-date=23 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144224/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/chess-olympiad-chennai-july-india-russia-ukraine-war-aicf-fide-sports-news/article38472034.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fide offers 2013 World Chess C'ship to Chennai|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/chess/fide-offers-2013-world-chess-cship-to-chennai/articleshow/9567992.cms|first=Hari Hara|last=Nandanan|date=21 August 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407190310/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/chess/fide-offers-2013-world-chess-cship-to-chennai/articleshow/9567992.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> [[Traditional games of India|Traditional games]] like [[Pallanguzhi]],<ref>{{cite book|last=Russ|first=Laurence|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rXeCAAAAMAAJ&q=pallanguli|title=Mancala Games|date=1984|publisher=Reference Publications|isbn=978-0-917-25619-6|pages=60|language=en|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827164356/https://books.google.com/books?id=rXeCAAAAMAAJ&q=pallanguli|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sports in Tamil Nadu#Uriyadi|Uriyadi]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Traditional sports and games mark Pongal festivities|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/traditional-sports-and-games-mark-pongal-festivities/article1096563.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 January 2011|location=Erode, India|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603090112/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Traditional-sports-and-games-mark-Pongal-festivities/article15521808.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gillidanda]],<ref>{{cite book|first=Steve|last=Craig|year=2002|title=Sports and Games of the Ancients: (Sports and Games Through History)|isbn=978-0-313-31600-5|page=63|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]}}</ref> [[Pachisi|Dhaayam]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Finkel|first=Irving|year=2004|contribution=Round and Round the Houses: The Game of ''Pachisi''|editor-last=Mackenzie|editor-first=Colin|editor2-last=Finkel|editor2-first=Irving|title=Asian Games: The Art of Contest|publisher=Asia Society|pages=46–57|isbn=978-0-878-48099-9}}</ref> are played across the region. [[Jallikattu]] and [[Rekla]] are traditional sporting events involving [[bull]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nation-world/this-2000-year-old-sport-is-making-news-in-india-heres-why/what-is-jallikattu/slideshow/56473058.cms?from=mdr|title=What is Jallikattu? This 2,000-year-old sport is making news in India. Here's why|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=11 January 2017|access-date=1 January 2024|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050141/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nation-world/this-2000-year-old-sport-is-making-news-in-india-heres-why/what-is-jallikattu/slideshow/56473058.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pongal 2023: Traditional Bullock Cart Race Held In Various Parts Of Tamil Nadu|url=https://news.abplive.com/photo-gallery/tamil-nadu/pongal-2023-traditional-bullock-cart-race-held-in-various-parts-of-tamil-nadu-see-pics-1576249|date=17 January 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=ABP News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225102135/https://news.abplive.com/photo-gallery/tamil-nadu/pongal-2023-traditional-bullock-cart-race-held-in-various-parts-of-tamil-nadu-see-pics-1576249 |archive-date= Dec 25, 2023 }}</ref> Traditional martial arts include [[Silambattam]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Nainar|first=Nahla|date=20 January 2017|title=A stick in time …|url-access=subscription|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/A-stick-in-time-%E2%80%A6/article17067195.ece|access-date=2023-02-11|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=2 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902212850/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/A-stick-in-time-%E2%80%A6/article17067195.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gatta gusthi]],<ref>{{cite news|last=P.|first=Anand|title=Understanding Gatta Gusthi: Kerala's own style of wrestling|url=https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/features/web-exclusive/gatta-gusthi-wrestling-kerala-fortkochi-1.5891683|access-date=9 August 2021|newspaper=[[Mathrubhumi]]|date=1 January 2024|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050142/https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/features/web-exclusive/gatta-gusthi-wrestling-kerala-fortkochi-1.5891683|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Adimurai]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Origin and the Historical Development of Silambam Fencing: An Ancient Self-Defence Sport of India|last=Raj|first=J. David Manuel|publisher=College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Univ. of Oregon|year=1977|location=Oregon|pages=44, 50, 83}}</ref>
Please be cautious adding more external links.


[[File:MA_Chidambaram_Stadium_In_the_Night_during_a_CSK_Game.jpg|thumb|left|[[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]] in Chennai, one of the oldest cricketing venues]]
Wikipedia is not a collection of links and should not be used for advertising.


Cricket is the most popular sport in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sporteology.com/top-10-most-popular-sports-in-india/|title=Top 10 Most Popular Sports in India|publisher=Sporteology|access-date=16 October 2013|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622111511/https://sporteology.com/top-10-most-popular-sports-in-india/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]] established in 1916 is among the oldest cricket stadiums in India and has hosted matches during multiple [[ICC Cricket World Cup]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=MA Chidambaram stadium|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/ma-chidambaram-stadium-chepauk-chennai-58008|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705052200/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/ma-chidambaram-stadium-chepauk-chennai-58008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/international-cricket-venues-in-india/article19834348.ece|title=International cricket venues in India|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529005450/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/international-cricket-venues-in-india/article19834348.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/afghanistan-to-face-bangladesh-in-first-t20i-at-dehradun-on-sunday-19482197|title=Afghanistan to face Bangladesh in first T20I at Dehradun on Sunday|date=2 June 2018|work=Mid-day|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511194534/https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/afghanistan-to-face-bangladesh-in-first-t20i-at-dehradun-on-sunday-19482197|url-status=live}}</ref> Established in 1987, [[MRF Pace Foundation]] is a [[Bowling (cricket)|bowling]] academy based in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=McGrath takes charge of MRF Pace Foundation|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/glenn-mcgrath-replaces-dennis-lillee-at-mrf-pace-foundation-580431|date=2 September 2012|access-date=16 January 2021|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122001751/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/glenn-mcgrath-replaces-dennis-lillee-at-mrf-pace-foundation-580431|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai is home to the most successful [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL) cricket team, [[Chennai Super Kings]], and hosted the finals during the [[Indian premier league 2011|2011]] and [[2012 Indian Premier League|2012]] seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=RCB vs CSK: Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore to reach IPL 4 final|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/rcb-vs-csk-chennai-super-kings-beat-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-reach-ipl-4-final/articleshow/8557943.cms|date=24 May 2011|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407185942/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/rcb-vs-csk-chennai-super-kings-beat-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-reach-ipl-4-final/articleshow/8557943.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai home to IPL final again in 2012|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/chennai-home-to-ipl-final-again-in-2012/articleshow/8641266.cms|date=30 May 2011|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407190123/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/chennai-home-to-ipl-final-again-in-2012/articleshow/8641266.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> [[Association football|Football]] is also popular with the [[Indian Super League]] being the major club competition and [[Chennaiyin FC]] representing the state.<ref>{{cite news|date=11 July 2020|title=Indian Super League: The Southern Derby|url=http://www.theturffootball.com/articles/indian-super-league-the-southern-derby/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150456/http://www.theturffootball.com/articles/indian-super-league-the-southern-derby/|archive-date=9 January 2021|access-date=28 December 2020|work=Turffootball}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=12 November 2016|title=Chennaiyin FC versus Kerala Blasters in ISL's most bitter rivalries|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/chennaiyin-fc-versus-kerala-blasters-in-isl-s-most-bitter-rivalries/story-kg8r1jJxyAuRdhe8nTjk5O.html|access-date=6 December 2020|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150451/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/chennaiyin-fc-versus-kerala-blasters-in-isl-s-most-bitter-rivalries/story-kg8r1jJxyAuRdhe8nTjk5O.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=ISL 2020-21: Bengaluru FC renew rivalry with Chennaiyin FC|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/12/04/isl-2020-21-bengaluru-fc-renew-rivalry-with-chennaiyin-fc.html|access-date=6 December 2020|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150536/https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/12/04/isl-2020-21-bengaluru-fc-renew-rivalry-with-chennaiyin-fc.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Excessive or inappropriate links will be removed.


There are multi-purpose venues in major cities including [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|Chennai]] and [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Coimbatore)|Coimbatore]], which host [[Association football|football]] and [[Sport of athletics|athletics]]. Chennai also houses a multi–purpose indoor complex for [[volleyball]], [[basketball]], [[kabaddi]] and [[table tennis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/chennai-city-to-stay-at-kovai-for-next-5-years/articleshow/62202998.cms|title=Chennai City to stay at Kovai for next 5 years|first=Vivek|last=Krishnan|date=22 December 2017|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123162511/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/chennai-city-to-stay-at-kovai-for-next-5-years/articleshow/62202998.cms|archive-date=23 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SDAT">{{cite web|url=https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/jns.php?token=jns|title=Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|publisher=SDAT, Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=4 July 2023|archive-date=13 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513165046/https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/jns.php?token=jns|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai hosted the [[1995 South Asian Games]].<ref>{{cite news|date=31 May 2016|title=From sleepy Madras to sporting Chennai: How SAF Games helped put city on international athletics map|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/from-sleepy-madras-to-sporting-chennai-how-saf-games-helped-put-city-on-international-athletics-map/|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208153650/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/from-sleepy-madras-to-sporting-chennai-how-saf-games-helped-put-city-on-international-athletics-map/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tamil Nadu Hockey Association is the governing body of [[Field Hockey|hockey]] in the state and [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium]] in Chennai was the venue for the international hockey tournaments, the [[2005 Men's Hockey Champions Trophy|2005 Men's Champions Trophy]] and the [[2007 Men's Hockey Asia Cup|2007 Men's Asia Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/mrk.php|title=Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium|publisher=SDAT, Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=4 July 2023|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921152739/https://sdat.tn.gov.in/mrk.php|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Boat Club]] (founded in 1846) and [[Royal Madras Yacht Club]] (founded in 1911) promote [[sailing]], [[rowing]] and [[canoeing]] sports in Chennai.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Geography of India:Sacred and Historic Places|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mjr0X-8jrLAC|page=184|isbn=978-1-615-30142-3|last=Pletcher|first=Kenneth|year=2010|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603090102/https://books.google.com/books?id=Mjr0X-8jrLAC|url-status=live}}</ref> Inaugurated in 1990, [[Madras Motor Race Track]] was the first permanent racing circuit in India and hosts formula racing events.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/madras-motor-race-track-the-ultimate-destination-for-speed/article17907793.ece|title=The view from the fast lane|date=10 April 2017|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208153650/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/madras-motor-race-track-the-ultimate-destination-for-speed/article17907793.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Coimbatore is often referred to as "India's Motorsports Hub" and the "Backyard of Indian Motorsports" and hosts the [[Kari Motor Speedway]], a Formula 3 Category circuit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coimbatore may have a Grade 3 circuit, says Narain|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 November 2011|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/motorsport/coimbatore-may-have-a-grade-3-circuit-says-narain/article2597443.ece|access-date=5 March 2016|last=Rozario|first=Rayan|quote=city, oft referred to as India's motor sport hub, may well have a Grade 3 racing circuit in the years to come|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221192154/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/motorsport/coimbatore-may-have-a-grade-3-circuit-says-narain/article2597443.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=City of speed|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 April 2006|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article3191375.ece|access-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> [[Horse racing]] is held at the [[Guindy Race Course]] and the state has three 18-hole golf courses, the [[Cosmopolitan Club (Chennai)|Cosmopolitan Club]], the [[Gymkhana Club, Chennai|Gymkhana Club]] and the [[Coimbatore Golf Club]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Survivors of time: Madras Race Club - A canter through centuries|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 February 2012|url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2916420.ece?homepage=true|access-date=1 May 2012|archive-date=25 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425124519/http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2916420.ece?homepage=true|url-status=live}}</ref>
See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details.


== See also ==
If there are already suitable links, propose additions or replacements on
*[[Chronology of Tamil history]]
the article's talk page, or submit your link to the relevant category at
*[[Outline of Tamil Nadu]]
the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) and link there using {{Dmoz}}.
*[[Tamil inscriptions]]


== References ==
-->
{{Reflist|3}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Tamil Nadu}}
{{Sister project links|voy=Tamil Nadu}}
*{{osmrelation-inline|96905}}
; Government
* [http://www.tn.gov.in/ The Official Site of the Government of Tamil Nadu]
* [http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/ Official Tourism Site of Tamil Nadu, India]

; General information
* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Tamil-Nadu Tamil Nadu] ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' entry
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/India/Tamil_Nadu|Tamil Nadu}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|96905}}


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Latest revision as of 04:39, 25 November 2024

Tamil Nadu
Etymology: Tamil Country
Nickname: 
"Land of Temples"
Motto
Vāymaiyē vellum (Truth alone triumphs)
Anthem: "Tamil Thai Valthu"
(Invocation to Mother Tamil)
The map of India showing Tamil Nadu
Location of Tamil Nadu in India
Coordinates: 11°N 79°E / 11°N 79°E / 11; 79
Country India
RegionSouth India
Before wasMadras State
Formation1 November 1956
Capital
and largest city
Chennai
Largest metroChennai metropolitan area
Districts38 (5 divisions)
Government
 • BodyGovernment of Tamil Nadu
 • GovernorR. N. Ravi
 • Chief ministerM. K. Stalin (DMK)
 • Deputy chief ministerUdhayanidhi Stalin (DMK)
State LegislatureUnicameral
 • AssemblyTamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (234 seats)
National ParliamentParliament of India
 • Rajya Sabha18 seats
 • Lok Sabha39 seats
High CourtMadras High Court
Area
 • Total
130,058 km2 (50,216 sq mi)
 • Rank10th
Dimensions
 • Length1,076 km (669 mi)
Elevation
189 m (620 ft)
Highest elevation2,636 m (8,648 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1][2]
 • Total
72,147,030
 • Rank6th
 • Density554.7/km2 (1,437/sq mi)
 • Urban
48.4%
 • Rural
51.6%
Demonyms
Language
 • OfficialTamil[3]
 • Additional officialEnglish[3]
 • Official scriptTamil script
GDP
 • Total (2023–24)Increase 27.22 trillion (US$330 billion)
 • Rank2nd
 • Per capitaIncrease 315,220 (US$3,800) (9th)
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (IST)
ISO 3166 codeIN-TN
Vehicle registrationTN
HDI (2021)Decrease 0.686 Medium (14th)
Literacy (2011)Increase 80.09% (14th)
Sex ratio (2011)996/1000 (3rd)
Websitetn.gov.in
Symbols of Tamil Nadu
Song"Tamil Thai Valthu"
(Invocation to Mother Tamil)
BirdEmerald Dove
ButterflyTamil Yeoman
FlowerGloriosa Lily
FruitJackfruit
MammalNilgiri Tahr
TreeAsian Palm
State highway mark
State highway of Tamil Nadu
TN SH1 - TN SH223
List of Indian state symbols

Tamil Nadu (/ˌtæmɪl ˈnɑːd/; Tamil: [ˈtamiɻ ˈnaːɽɯ] , abbr. TN) is the southernmost state of India. The tenth largest Indian state by area and the sixth largest by population, Tamil Nadu is the home of the Tamil people, who speak the Tamil language—the state's official language and one of the longest surviving classical languages of the world. The capital and largest city is Chennai.

Located on the south-eastern coast of the Indian peninsula, Tamil Nadu is straddled by the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau in the west, the Eastern Ghats in the north, the Eastern Coastal Plains lining the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait to the south-east, the Laccadive Sea at the southern cape of the peninsula, with the river Kaveri bisecting the state. Politically, Tamil Nadu is bound by the Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, and encloses a part of the union territory of Puducherry. It shares an international maritime border with the Northern Province of Sri Lanka at Pamban Island.

Archaeological evidence points to Tamil Nadu being inhabited for more than 400 millennia, first by hominids and then by modern humans. The state has more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history. Historically, the Tamilakam region was inhabited by Tamil-speaking Dravidian people, who were ruled by several regimes over centuries such as the Sangam era triumvirate of the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas, the Pallavas (3rd–9th century CE), and the later Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century CE). European colonization began with establishing trade ports in the 17th century, with the British controlling much of the state as a part of the Madras Presidency for two centuries. After the Indian Independence in 1947, the region became the Madras State of the Republic of India and was further re-organized when states were redrawn linguistically in 1956 into its current shape. The state was renamed as Tamil Nadu, meaning "Tamil Country", in 1969. Hence, culture, cuisine and architecture have seen multiple influences over the years and have developed diversely.

As of December 2023, Tamil Nadu had an economy with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of 27.22 trillion (US$330 billion), making it the second-largest economy amongst the 28 states of India. It has the country's 9th-highest GSDP per capita of 315,220 (US$3,800) and ranks 11th in human development index. Tamil Nadu is also one of the most industrialised states, with the manufacturing sector accounting for nearly one-third of the state's GDP. With its diverse culture and architecture, long coastline, forests and mountains, Tamil Nadu is home to a number of ancient relics, historic buildings, religious sites, beaches, hill stations, forts, waterfalls and four World Heritage Sites. The state's tourism industry is the largest among the Indian states. The state has three biosphere reserves, mangrove forests, five National Parks, 18 wildlife sanctuaries and 17 bird sanctuaries. The Tamil film industry, nicknamed as Kollywood, plays an influential role in the state's popular culture.

Etymology

The name is derived from Tamil language with nadu meaning "land" and Tamil Nadu meaning "the land of Tamils". The origin and precise etymology of the word Tamil is unclear with multiple theories attested to it.[6] In the ancient Sangam literature, Tamilakam refers to the area of present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Tolkāppiyam (2nd to 1st century BCE) indicates the borders of Tamilakam as Tirumala and Kanniyakumari.[7] The name Tamilakam is used in other Sangam era literature such as Puṟanāṉūṟu, Patiṟṟuppattu, Cilappatikaram, and Manimekalai.[8] Cilappatikaram (5th to 6th century CE) and Ramavataram (12th century CE) mention the name Tamil Nadu to denote the region.[9][10][11]

History

Prehistory (before 5th century BCE)

Archaeological evidence points to the region being inhabited by hominids more than 400 millennia ago.[12][13] Artifacts recovered in Adichanallur by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicate a continuous history from more than 3,800 years ago.[14] Neolithic celts with the Indus script dated between 1500 and 2000 BCE indicate the use of the Harappan language.[15][16] Excavations at Keezhadi have revealed a large urban settlement, with the earliest artefact dated to 580 BCE, during the time of urbanization in the Indo-Gangetic plain.[17] Further epigraphical inscriptions found at Adichanallur use Tamil Brahmi, a rudimentary script dated to 5th century BCE.[18] Potsherds uncovered from Keeladi indicate a script which might be a transition between the Indus Valley script and Tamil Brahmi script used later.[19]

Sangam period (5th century BCE–3rd century CE)

Tamilakam during the Sangam Period (500 BCE–300 CE)

The Sangam period lasted for about eight centuries, from 500 BCE to 300 CE with the main source of history during the period coming from the Sangam literature.[20][21] Ancient Tamilakam was ruled by a triumvirate of monarchical states, Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.[22] The Cheras controlled the western part of Tamilkam, the Pandyas controlled the south, and the Cholas had their base in the Kaveri delta. The kings called Vendhar ruled over several tribes of Velala (peasants), headed by the Velir chiefs.[23] The rulers patronized multiple religions including vedic religion, Buddhism and Jainism and sponsored some of the earliest Tamil literature with the oldest surviving work being Tolkāppiyam, a book of Tamil grammar.[24]

The kingdoms had significant diplomatic and trade contacts with other kingdoms to the north and with the Romans.[25] Much of the commerce from the Romans and Han China were facilitated via seaports including Muziris and Korkai with spices being the most prized goods along with pearls and silk.[26][27] From 300 CE, the region was ruled by the Kalabhras, warriors belonging to the Vellalar community, who were once feudatories of the three ancient Tamil kingdoms.[28] The Kalabhra era is referred to as the "dark period" of Tamil history, and information about it is generally inferred from any mentions in the literature and inscriptions that are dated many centuries after their era ended.[29] The twin Tamil epics Silappatikaram and Manimekalai were written during the era.[30] Tamil classic Tirukkural by Valluvar, a collection of couplets is attributed to the same period.[31][32]

Medieval era (4th–13th century CE)

Rock cut monuments in Mahabalipuram built by the Pallava dynasty

Around the 7th century CE, the Kalabhras were overthrown by the Pandyas and Cholas, who patronised Buddhism and Jainism before the revival of Saivism and Vaishnavism during the Bhakti movement.[33] Though they existed previously, the period saw the rise of the Pallavas in the sixth century CE under Mahendravarman I, who ruled parts of South India with Kanchipuram as their capital.[34] The Pallavas were noted for their patronage of architecture: the massive gopuram, ornate towers at the entrance of temples, originated with the Pallava architecture. They built the group of rock-cut monuments in Mahabalipuram and temples in Kanchipuram.[35] Throughout their reign, the Pallavas remained in constant conflict with the Cholas and Pandyas. The Pandyas were revived by Kadungon towards the end of the 6th century CE and with the Cholas in obscurity in Uraiyur, the Tamil country was divided between the Pallavas and the Pandyas.[36] The Pallavas were finally defeated by Chola prince Aditya I in the 9th century CE.[37]

The Chola Empire at its greatest extent, during the reign of Rajendra Chola I in 1030

The Cholas became the dominant kingdom in the 9th century under Vijayalaya Chola, who established Thanjavur as Chola's new capital with further expansions by subsequent rulers. In the 11th century CE, Rajaraja I expanded the Chola empire with conquests of entire Southern India and parts of present-day Sri Lanka and Maldives, and increased Chola influence across the Indian Ocean.[38][39] Rajaraja brought in administrative reforms including the reorganisation of Tamil country into individual administrative units.[40] Under his son Rajendra Chola I, the Chola empire reached its zenith and stretched as far as Bengal in the north and across the Indian Ocean.[41] The Cholas built many temples in the Dravidian style with the most notable being the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, one of the foremost temples of the era built by Rajaraja, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra.[42]

The Pandyas again reigned supreme early in the 13th century under Maravarman Sundara I.[43] They ruled from their capital of Madurai and expanded trade links with other maritime empires.[44] During the 13th century, Marco Polo mentioned the Pandyas as the richest empire in existence. The Pandyas also built a number of temples including the Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai.[45]

Vijayanagar and Nayak period (14th–17th century CE)

In the 13th and 14th centuries, there were repeated attacks from Delhi Sultanate.[46] The Vijayanagara kingdom was founded in 1336 CE.[47] The Vijayanagara empire eventually conquered the entire Tamil country by c. 1370 and ruled for almost two centuries until its defeat in the Battle of Talikota in 1565 by a confederacy of Deccan sultanates.[48][49] Later, the Nayaks, who were the military governors in the Vijaynagara Empire, took control of the region amongst whom the Nayaks of Madurai and Nayaks of Thanjavur were the most prominent.[50][51] They introduced the palayakkararar system and re-constructed some of the well-known temples in Tamil Nadu including the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.[52]

Later conflicts and European colonization (17th to 20th century CE)

In the 18th century, the Mughal empire administered the region through the Nawab of the Carnatic with his seat at Arcot, who defeated the Madurai Nayaks.[53] The Marathas attacked several times and defeated the Nawab after the Siege of Trichinopoly (1751–1752).[54][55][56] This led to a short-lived Thanjavur Maratha kingdom.[57]

Fort Dansborg at Tharangambadi, built by the Danes

Europeans started to establish trade centres from the 16th century along the eastern coast. The Portuguese arrived in 1522 and built a port named São Tomé near present-day Mylapore in Madras.[58] In 1609, the Dutch established a settlement in Pulicat and the Danes had their establishment in Tharangambadi.[59][60] On 20 August 1639, Francis Day of the British East India Company met with the Vijayanager emperor Peda Venkata Raya and obtained a grant for land on the Coromandel coast for their trading activities.[61][62][63] A year later, the company built Fort St. George, the first major English settlement in India, which became the nucleus of the British Raj in the region.[64][65] By 1693, the French established trading posts at Pondichéry. In September 1746, the French captured Madras during the Battle of Madras.[66] The British regained control of Madras in 1749 through the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and resisted a French siege attempt in 1759.[67][68] The British and French competed to expand the trade which led to Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 as part of the Seven Years' War.[69] The Nawabs of the Carnatic surrendered much of their territory to the British East India Company in the north and bestowed tax revenue collection rights in the South, which led to constant conflicts with the Palaiyakkarars known as the Polygar Wars. Puli Thevar was one of the earliest opponents, joined later by Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivagangai and Kattabomman of Panchalakurichi in the first series of Polygar wars.[70][71] The Maruthu brothers along with Oomaithurai, the brother of Kattabomman, formed a coalition with Dheeran Chinnamalai and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, which fought the British in the Second Polygar War.[72] In the later 18th century, the Mysore kingdom captured parts of the region and engaged in constant fighting with the British which culminated in the four Anglo-Mysore Wars.[73]

An 18th-century coloured engraving of Fort St. George and Madras

By the 18th century, the British had conquered most of the region and established the Madras Presidency with Madras as the capital.[74] After the defeat of Mysore in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799 and the British victory in the second Polygar war in 1801, the British consolidated most of southern India into what was later known as the Madras Presidency.[75] On 10 July 1806, the Vellore mutiny, which was the first instance of a large-scale mutiny by Indian sepoys against the British East India Company, took place in Vellore Fort.[76][77] After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act 1858, which transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the British crown, forming the British Raj.[78]

Failure of the summer monsoons and administrative shortcomings of the Ryotwari system resulted in two severe famines in the Madras Presidency, the Great Famine of 1876–78 and the Indian famine of 1896–97 which killed millions and the migration of many Tamils as bonded laborers to other British countries eventually forming the present Tamil diaspora.[79] The Indian Independence movement gathered momentum in the early 20th century with the formation of the Indian National Congress, which was based on an idea propagated by the members of the Theosophical Society movement after a Theosophical convention held in Madras in December 1884.[80][81] Tamil Nadu was the base of various contributors to the Independence movement including V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramaniya Siva and Bharatiyar.[82] The Tamils formed a significant percentage of the members of the Indian National Army (INA), founded by Subhas Chandra Bose.[83]

Post-Independence (1947–present)

After the Independence of India in 1947, the Madras Presidency became Madras state, comprising present-day Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Andhra state was split from the state in 1953 and the state was further re-organized when states were redrawn linguistically in 1956 into the current shape.[84][85] On 14 January 1969, Madras state was renamed Tamil Nadu, meaning "Tamil country".[86][87] In 1965, agitations against the imposition of Hindi and in support of continuing English as a medium of communication arose which eventually led to English being retained as an official language of India alongside Hindi.[88] After independence, the economy of Tamil Nadu conformed to a socialist framework, with strict governmental control over private sector participation, foreign trade, and foreign direct investment. After experiencing fluctuations in the decades immediately after Indian independence, the economy of Tamil Nadu consistently exceeded national average growth rates from the 1970s, due to reform-oriented economic policies.[89] In the 2000s, the state has become one of the most urbanized states in the country with a higher Human Development Index compared to national average.[90]

Environment

Geography

Topographic map of Tamil Nadu
Western Ghats traverse along the western border of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu covers an area of 130,058 km2 (50,216 sq mi) and is the tenth-largest state in India.[90] Located on the south-eastern coast of the Indian peninsula, Tamil Nadu is straddled by the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau in the west, the Eastern Ghats in the north, the Eastern Coastal Plains lining the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait to the south-east, and the Laccadive Sea at the southern cape of the peninsula.[91] Politically, Tamil Nadu is bound by the Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, and the union territory of Puducherry. It shares an international maritime border with the Northern Province of Sri Lanka at Pamban Island. The Palk Strait and the chain of low sandbars and islands known as Rama's Bridge separate the region from Sri Lanka, which lies off the southeastern coast.[92][93] The southernmost tip of mainland India is at Kanyakumari where the Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.[94]

The Western Ghats run south along the western boundary with the highest peak at Doddabetta (2,636 m (8,648 ft)) in the Nilgiri Hills.[95][96] The Eastern Ghats run parallel to the Bay of Bengal along the eastern coast and the strip of land between them forms the Coromandel region.[97] They are a discontinuous range of mountains intersected by Kaveri river.[98] Both mountain ranges meet at the Nilgiri mountains which run in a crescent approximately along the borders of Tamil Nadu with northern Kerala and Karnataka, extending to the relatively low-lying hills of the Eastern Ghats on the western portion of the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border.[99] The Deccan plateau is the elevated region bound by the mountain ranges and the plateau slopes gently from west to east resulting in major rivers arising in the Western Ghats and flowing east into the Bay of Bengal.[100][101][102]

The coastline of Tamil Nadu is 1,076 km (669 mi) long, and is the second longest state coastline in the country after Gujarat.[103] There are coral reefs located in the Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep islands.[104] Tamil Nadu's coastline was permanently altered by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.[105]

Geology

Tamil Nadu falls mostly in a region of low seismic hazard with the exception of the western border areas that lie in a low to moderate hazard zone; as per the 2002 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) map, Tamil Nadu falls in Zones II and III.[106] The volcanic basalt beds of the Deccan plateau were laid down in the massive Deccan Traps eruption, which occurred towards the end of the Cretaceous period, between 67 and 66 million years ago.[107] Layer after layer was formed by the volcanic activity that lasted many years and when the volcanoes became extinct, they left a region of highlands with typically vast stretches of flat areas on top like a table.[108] The predominant soils of Tamil Nadu are red loam, laterite, black, alluvial and saline. Red soil, with a higher iron content, occupies a larger portion of the state and all the inland districts. Black soil is found in western Tamil Nadu and parts of the southern coast. Alluvial soil is found in the fertile Kaveri delta region, with laterite soil found in pockets, and saline soil across the coast where the evaporation is high.[109]

Climate

Climatic zones of India
Tamil Nadu gets most of the rains from the monsoon. Pictured is the monsoon onset map of India.

The region has a tropical climate and depends on monsoons for rainfall.[110] Tamil Nadu is divided into seven agro-climatic zones: northeast, northwest, west, southern, high rainfall, high altitude hilly, and Kaveri delta.[111] A tropical wet and dry climate prevails over most of the inland peninsular region except for a semi-arid rain shadow east of the Western Ghats. Winter and early summer are long dry periods with temperatures averaging above 18 °C (64 °F); summer is exceedingly hot with temperatures in low-lying areas exceeding 50 °C (122 °F); and the rainy season lasts from June to September, with annual rainfall averaging between 750 and 1,500 mm (30 and 59 in) across the region. Once the dry northeast monsoon begins in September, most precipitation in India falls in Tamil Nadu, leaving other states comparatively dry.[112] A hot semi-arid climate predominates in the land east of the Western Ghats which includes inland south and south central parts of the state and gets between 400 and 750 millimetres (15.7 and 29.5 in) of rainfall annually, with hot summers and dry winters with temperatures around 20–24 °C (68–75 °F). The months between March and May are hot and dry, with mean monthly temperatures hovering around 32 °C (90 °F), with 320 millimetres (13 in) precipitation. Without artificial irrigation, this region is not suitable for agriculture.[113]

The southwest monsoon from June to September accounts for most of the rainfall in the region. The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon hits the Western Ghats from Kerala and moves northward along the Konkan coast, with precipitation on the western region of the state.[114] The lofty Western Ghats prevent the winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau; hence, the leeward region (the region deprived of winds) receives very little rainfall.[115][116] The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon heads toward northeast India, picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal. The Coramandel coast does not receive much rainfall from the southwest monsoon, due to the shape of the land.[117] Northern Tamil Nadu receives most of its rains from the northeast monsoon.[118] The northeast monsoon takes place from November to early March, when the surface high-pressure system is strongest.[119] The North Indian Ocean tropical cyclones occur throughout the year in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, bringing devastating winds and heavy rainfall.[120][121] The annual rainfall of the state is about 945 mm (37.2 in) of which 48 per cent is through the northeast monsoon, and 52 per cent through the southwest monsoon. The state has only 3% of the water resources nationally and is entirely dependent on rains for recharging its water resources. Monsoon failures lead to acute water scarcity and severe drought.[122][123]

Flora and fauna

Tamil Nadu has one of the largest Asian elephant populations.

Forests occupy an area of 22,643 km2 (8,743 sq mi) constituting 17.4% of the geographic area.[124] There is a wide diversity of plants and animals in Tamil Nadu, resulting from its varied climates and geography. Deciduous forests are found along the Western Ghats while tropical dry forests and scrub lands are common in the interior.[125] The southern Western Ghats have rain forests located at high altitudes called the South Western Ghats montane rain forests.[126] The Western Ghats eco-region is one of the eight hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[127] There are about 2,000 species of wildlife that are native to Tamil Nadu, 5640 species of angiosperms (including 1,559 species of medicinal plants, 533 endemic species, 260 species of wild relatives of cultivated plants, 230 red-listed species), 64 species of gymnosperms (including four indigenous species and 60 introduced species) and 184 species of pteridophytes apart from bryophytes, lichen, fungi, algae, and bacteria.[128] Common plant species include the state tree: palmyra palm, eucalyptus, rubber, cinchona, clumping bamboos (Bambusa arundinacea), common teak, Anogeissus latifolia, Indian laurel, grewia, and blooming trees like Indian laburnum, ardisia, and solanaceae. Rare and unique plant life includes Combretum ovalifolium, ebony (Diospyros nilagrica), Habenaria rariflora (orchid), Alsophila, Impatiens elegans, Ranunculus reniformis, and royal fern.[129]

Nilgiri tahr, an endangered animal found only in the Nilgiri Mountains, is the state animal.

Important ecological regions of Tamil Nadu are the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Nilgiri Hills, the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in the Agastya Mala-Cardamom Hills and Gulf of Mannar coral reefs.[130] The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 10,500 km2 (4,100 sq mi) of ocean, islands and the adjoining coastline including coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves. It is home to endangered aquatic species, including dolphins, dugongs, whales and sea cucumbers.[131][132] Bird sanctuaries, including Thattekad, Kadalundi, Vedanthangal, Ranganathittu, Kumarakom, Neelapattu, and Pulicat, are home to numerous migratory and local birds.[133][134][135]

A Bengal tiger at Mudumalai National Park, the first modern wildlife sanctuary in South India

Protected areas cover an area of 3,305 km2 (1,276 sq mi), constituting 2.54% of the geographic area and 15% of the 22,643 km2 (8,743 sq mi) recorded forest area of the state.[124] Mudumalai National Park was established in 1940 and was the first modern wildlife sanctuary in South India. The protected areas are administered by the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the government of India and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interspersing the Vellar estuary in the north and Coleroon estuary in the south with mangrove forests. The Pichavaram mangrove forests is one of the largest mangrove forests in India covering 45 km2 (17 sq mi) and supports the existence of rare varieties of economically important shells, fishes and migrant birds.[136][137] The state has five National Parks covering 307.84 km2 (118.86 sq mi)–Anamalai, Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Gulf of Mannar, a marine national park and Guindy, an urban national park within Chennai.[135] Tamil Nadu has 18 wildlife sanctuaries.[135][138] Tamil Nadu is home to one of the largest populations of endangered Bengal tigers and Indian elephants in India.[139][140] There are five declared elephant sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu as per Project Elephant–Agasthyamalai, Anamalai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and Srivilliputtur.[135] Tamil Nadu participates in Project Tiger and has five declared tiger reserves–Anamalai, Kalakkad-Mundanthurai, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Megamalai.[135][141][142] There are seventeen declared bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu.[135][143][144]

Pichavaram, one of the few mangrove forests in India

There is one conservation reserve at Tiruvidaimarudur in Thanjavur district. There are two zoos recognised by the Central Zoo Authority of India namely Arignar Anna Zoological Park and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, both located in Chennai.[135] The state has other smaller zoos run by local administrative bodies such as Coimbatore Zoo in Coimbatore, Amirthi Zoological Park in Vellore, Kurumpampatti Wildlife Park in Salem, Yercaud Deer Park in Yercaud, Mukkombu Deer Park in Tiruchirapalli and Ooty Deer Park in Nilgiris.[135] There are five crocodile farms located at Amaravati in Coimbatore district, Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district, Kurumbapatti in Salem district, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Chennai and Sathanur in Tiruvannamalai district.[135] Threatened and endangered species found in the region include the grizzled giant squirrel,[145] grey slender loris,[146] sloth bear,[147] Nilgiri tahr,[148] Nilgiri langur,[149] lion-tailed macaque,[150] and the Indian leopard.[151]

Symbols of Tamil Nadu[152][153]
Animal Bird Butterfly Tree Fruit Flower
Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) Emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica) Tamil Yeoman (Cirrochroa thais) Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Glory lily (Gloriosa superba)

Administration and politics

Administration

Administrative officials
Title Name
Governor R. N. Ravi[154]
Chief minister M. K. Stalin[155]
Chief Justice K. R. Shriram[156]

Chennai is the capital of the state and houses the state executive, legislative and head of judiciary.[157] The administration of the state government functions through various secretariat departments. There are 43 departments of the state and the departments have further sub-divisions which may govern various undertakings and boards.[158] The state is divided into 38 districts, each of which is administered by a District Collector, who is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) appointed to the district by the Government of Tamil Nadu. For revenue administration, the districts are further subdivided into 87 revenue divisions administered by Revenue Divisional Officers (RDO) which comprise 310 taluks administered by Tahsildars.[159] The taluks are divided into 1349 revenue blocks called Firkas which consist of 17,680 revenue villages.[159] The local administration consists of 15 municipal corporations, 121 municipalities and 528 town panchayats in the urban areas, and 385 panchayat unions and 12,618 village panchayats, administered by Village Administrative Officers (VAO).[160][159][161] Greater Chennai Corporation, established in 1688, is the second oldest in the world and Tamil Nadu was the first state to establish town panchayats as a new administrative unit.[162][163][164][160]

Legislature

Fort St. George hosts the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

In accordance with the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's de jure head and appoints the chief minister who has the de facto executive authority.[165][166] The Indian Councils Act 1861 established the Madras Presidency legislative council with four to eight members but was a mere advisory body to the governor of the presidency. The strength was increased to twenty in 1892 and fifty in 1909.[167][168] Madras legislative council was set-up in 1921 by the Government of India Act 1919 with a term of three years and consisted of 132 Members of which 34 were nominated by the Governor and the rest were elected.[169] The Government of India Act 1935 established a bicameral legislature with the creation of a new legislative council with 54 to 56 members in July 1937.[169] The first legislature of Madras state under the Constitution of India was constituted on 1 March 1952 after the 1952 elections. The number of seats post the re-organization in 1956 was 206, which was further increased to 234 in 1962.[169] In 1986, the state moved to a unicameral legislature with the abolition of the Legislative Council by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (Abolition) act, 1986.[170] The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is housed in the Fort St. George in Chennai.[171] The state elects 39 members to the Lok Sabha and 18 to the Rajya Sabha of the Indian Parliament.[172]

Law and order

Madras High Court, the highest judicial authority

The Madras High Court was established on 26 June 1862 and is the highest judicial authority of the state with control over all the civil and criminal courts in the state.[173] It is headed by a Chief Justice and has a bench at Madurai since 2004.[173] The Tamil Nadu Police, established as Madras state police in 1859, operates under the Home ministry of the Government of Tamil Nadu and is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state.[174] As of 2023, it consists of more than 132,000 police personnel, headed by a Director General of Police.[175][176] Women form 17.6% of the police force and specifically handle violence against women through 222 special all-women police stations.[177][178][179] As of 2023, the state has 1854 police stations, the highest in the country, including 47 railway and 243 traffic police stations.[177][180] The traffic police under different district administrations are responsible for the traffic management in the respective regions.[181] The state is consistently ranked as one of the safest for women with a crime rate of 22 per 100,000 in 2018.[182]

Politics

Elections in India are conducted by the Election Commission of India, an independent body established in 1950.[183] Politics in Tamil Nadu was dominated by national parties till the 1960s. Regional parties have ruled ever since. The Justice Party and Swaraj Party were the two major parties in the erstwhile Madras Presidency.[184] During the 1920s and 1930s, the Self-Respect Movement, spearheaded by Theagaroya Chetty and E. V. Ramaswamy (commonly known as Periyar), emerged in the Madras Presidency and led to the formation of the Justice party.[185] The Justice Party eventually lost the 1937 elections to the Indian National Congress and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari became the chief minister of the Madras Presidency.[184] In 1944, Periyar transformed the Justice party into a social organisation, renaming the party Dravidar Kazhagam, and withdrew from electoral politics.[186] After independence, the Indian National Congress dominated the political scene in Tamil Nadu in the 1950s and 1960s under the leadership of K. Kamaraj, who led the party after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru and ensured the selection of Prime Ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi.[187][188] C. N. Annadurai, a follower of Periyar, formed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949.[189]

The Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu led to the rise of Dravidian parties that formed Tamil Nadu's first government, in 1967.[190] In 1972, a split in the DMK resulted in the formation of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by M. G. Ramachandran.[191] Dravidian parties continue to dominate Tamil Nadu electoral politics with the national parties usually aligning as junior partners to the major Dravidian parties, AIADMK and DMK.[192] M. Karunanidhi became the leader of the DMK after Annadurai and J. Jayalalithaa succeeded as the leader of AIADMK after M. G. Ramachandran.[193][187] Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa dominated the state politics from the 1980s to early 2010s, serving as chief ministers combined for over 32 years.[187]

C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor General of India post independence, was from Tamil Nadu. The state has produced three Indian presidents, namely, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan,[194] R. Venkataraman,[195] and APJ Abdul Kalam.[196]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
190119,252,630—    
191120,902,616+8.6%
192121,628,518+3.5%
193123,472,099+8.5%
194126,267,507+11.9%
195130,119,047+14.7%
196133,686,953+11.8%
197141,199,168+22.3%
198148,408,077+17.5%
199155,858,946+15.4%
200162,405,679+11.7%
201172,147,030+15.6%
Source:Census of India[197]

As per the 2011 census, Tamil Nadu had a population of 72.1 million and is the seventh most populous state in India.[1] The population is projected to be 76.8 million in 2023 and to grow to 78 million by 2036.[198] Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states in the country with more than 48.4 per cent of the population living in urban areas.[90] As per the 2011 census, the sex ratio was 996 females per 1000 males, higher than the national average of 943.[199] The sex ratio at birth was recorded as 954 during the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in 2015–16 which reduced further to 878 in the fifth NFHS in 2019–21, ranking third worst amongst states.[200] As per the 2011 census, Literacy rate was 80.1%, higher than the national average of 73%.[201] The literacy rate was estimated to be 82.9% as per the 2017 National Statistical Commission (NSC) survey.[202] As of 2011, there were about 23.17 million households with 7.42 million children under the age of six.[203] A total of 14.4 million (20%) belonged to Scheduled Castes (SC) and 0.8 million (1.1%) to Scheduled tribes (ST).[204]

As of 2017, the state had the lowest fertility rate in India with 1.6 children born for each woman, lower than required for sustaining the population.[205] As of 2021, the Human Development Index (HDI) for Tamil Nadu was 0.686, higher than that of India (0.633) but ranked medium.[206] As of 2019, the life expectancy at birth was 74 years, one of the highest amongst Indian states.[207] As of 2023, 2.2% of the people live below the poverty line as per the Multidimensional Poverty Index, one of the lowest rates amongst Indian states.[208]

Cities and towns

The capital of Chennai is the most populous urban agglomeration in the state with more than 8.6 million residents, followed by Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Tiruppur, respectively.[209]

 
Largest cities or towns in Tamil Nadu
(2011)[209]
Rank Name District Pop.
Chennai
Chennai
Coimbatore
Coimbatore
1 Chennai Chennai 8,696,010 Madurai
Madurai
Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli
2 Coimbatore Coimbatore 2,151,466
3 Madurai Madurai 1,462,420
4 Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli 1,021,717
5 Tiruppur Tiruppur 962,982
6 Salem Salem 919,150
7 Erode Erode 521,776
8 Vellore Vellore 504,079
9 Tirunelveli Tirunelveli 498,984
10 Thoothukudi Thoothukudi 410,760

Religion and ethnicity

Religion in Tamil Nadu (2011)[210]
City Population
Hinduism
87.6
Christianity
6.1
Islam
5.86
Jainism
0.1
Others/Not stated
0.3

The state is home to a diverse population of ethno-religious communities.[211][212] According to the 2011 census, Hinduism is followed by 87.6% of the population. Christians form the largest religious minority in the state with 6.1% of the population; Muslims form 5.9% of the population.[213]

Tamils form a majority of the population with minorities including Telugus,[214] Marwaris,[215] Gujaratis,[216] Parsis,[217] Sindhis,[218] Odias,[219] Kannadigas,[220] Anglo-Indians,[221] Bengalis,[222] Punjabis,[223] and Malayalees.[224] The state also has a significant expatriate population.[225][226] As of 2011, the state had 3.49 million immigrants.[227]

Language

Distribution of languages in Tamil Nadu (2011)[228]

  Tamil (88.35%)
  Telugu (5.87%)
  Kannada (1.78%)
  Urdu (1.75%)
  Malayalam (1.01%)
  Others (1.24%)

Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu, while English serves as the additional official language.[3] Tamil is one of the oldest languages and was the first to be recognized as a classical language of India.[229] As per the 2011 census, Tamil is spoken as the first language by 88.4% of the state's population, followed by Telugu (5.87%), Kannada (1.78%), Urdu (1.75%), Malayalam (1.01%) and other languages (1.24%)[228] Various varieties of Tamil are spoken across regions such as Madras Bashai in northern Tamil Nadu, Kongu Tamil in Western Tamil Nadu, Madurai Tamil around Madurai and Nellai Tamil in South-eastern Tamil Nadu.[230][231] It is part of the Dravidian languages and preserves many features of Proto-Dravidian, though modern-day spoken Tamil in Tamil Nadu freely uses loanwords from other languages such as Sanskrit and English.[232][233] Korean,[234] Japanese,[235] French,[236] Mandarin Chinese,[237] German[238] and Spanish are spoken by foreign expatriates in the state.[236]

LGBT rights

The LGBT rights in Tamil Nadu are among the most progressive in India.[239][240] In 2008, Tamil Nadu set up the Transgender welfare board and was the first to introduce a transgender welfare policy, wherein transgender people can avail free sex reassignment surgery in government hospitals.[241] Chennai Rainbow Pride has been held in Chennai annually since 2009.[242] In 2021, Tamil Nadu became the first Indian state to ban conversion therapy and forced sex-selective surgeries on intersex infants, following the directions of the Madras High Court.[243][244][245] In 2019, the Madras High Court ruled that the term "bride" under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 includes trans-women, thereby legalizing marriage between a man and a transgender woman.[246]

Culture and heritage

Clothing

Kanchipuram silk saris worn by women on special occasions

Tamil women traditionally wear a sari, a garment that consists of a drape varying from 5 to 9 yards (4.6 to 8.2 m) in length and 2 to 4 feet (0.61 to 1.22 m) in breadth that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff, as according to Indian philosophy, the navel is considered as the source of life and creativity.[247][248] Ancient Tamil poetry such as the Cilappadhikaram, describes women in exquisite drapery or sari.[249] Women wear colourful silk saris on special occasions such as marriages.[250] The men wear a dhoti, a 4.5 metres (15 ft) long, white rectangular piece of non-stitched cloth often bordered in brightly coloured stripes. It is usually wrapped around the waist and the legs and knotted at the waist.[251] A colourful lungi with typical batik patterns is the most common form of male attire in the countryside.[252] People in urban areas generally wear tailored clothing, and western dress is popular. Western-style school uniforms are worn by both boys and girls in schools, even in rural areas.[252] The Kanchipuram silk sari is a type of silk sari made in the Kanchipuram region in Tamil Nadu and these saris are worn as bridal and special occasion saris by most women in South India. It has been recognized as a Geographical indication by the Government of India in 2005–2006.[253][254] Kovai Cora is a type of cotton sari made in the Coimbatore.[254][255]

Cuisine

A traditional meal served on a banana leaf

Rice is the diet staple and is served with sambar, rasam, and poriyal as a part of a Tamil meal.[256] Coconut and spices are used extensively in Tamil cuisine. The region has a rich cuisine involving both traditional non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes made of rice, legumes, and lentils with its distinct aroma and flavour achieved by the blending of flavourings and spices.[257][258] The traditional way of eating a meal involves being seated on the floor, having the food served on a banana leaf,[259] and using clean fingers of the right hand to take the food into the mouth.[260] After the meal, the fingers are washed; the easily degradable banana leaf is discarded or becomes fodder for cattle.[261] Eating on banana leaves is a custom thousands of years old, imparts a unique flavor to the food, and is considered healthy.[262] Idli, dosa, uthappam, pongal, and paniyaram are popular breakfast dishes in Tamil Nadu.[263] Palani Panchamirtham, Ooty varkey, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, Manapparai Murukku and Srivilliputhur Palkova are unique foods that have been recognised as Geographical Indications.[264]

Literature

Sculpture of Sage Agastya

Tamil Nadu has an independent literary tradition dating back over 2500 years from the Sangam era.[6] Early Tamil literature was composed in three successive poetic assemblies known as the Tamil Sangams, the earliest of which, according to legend, were held on a now vanished continent far to the south of India.[265][266][267] This includes the oldest grammatical treatise, Tolkappiyam, and the epics Cilappatikaram and Manimekalai.[268] The earliest epigraphic records found on rock edicts and hero stones date from around the 3rd century BCE.[269][270] The available literature from the Sangam period was categorised and compiled into two categories based roughly on chronology: the Patiṉeṇmēlkaṇakku consisting of Eṭṭuttokai and the Pattupattu, and the Patiṉeṇkīḻkaṇakku. The existent Tamil grammar is largely based on the 13th-century grammar book Naṉṉūl based on the Tolkāppiyam. Tamil grammar consists of five parts, namely eḻuttu, sol, poruḷ, yāppu, aṇi.[271][272] Tirukkural, a book on ethics by Thiruvalluvar, is amongst the most popular works of Tamil literature.[273]

In the early medieval period, Vaishnava and Shaiva literature became prominent following the Bhakti movement in the sixth century CE with hymns composed by the Alvars and the Nayanars.[274][275][276] In the following years, Tamil literature again flourished with notable works including Ramavataram, written in the 12th century CE by Kambar.[277] After a lull in the intermediate years due to various invasions and instability, the Tamil literature recovered in the 14th century CE, with the notable work being Tiruppukal by Arunagirinathar.[278] In 1578, the Portuguese published a Tamil book in old Tamil script named Thambiraan Vanakkam, thus making Tamil the first Indian language to be printed and published.[279] Tamil Lexicon, published by the University of Madras, is the first among the dictionaries published in any Indian language.[280] The 19th century gave rise to the Tamil Renaissance and writings and poems by authors such as Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, U.V. Swaminatha Iyer, Ramalinga Swamigal, Maraimalai Adigal, and Bharathidasan.[281][282] During the Indian Independence Movement, many Tamil poets and writers sought to provoke national spirit, social equity and secularist thoughts, notably Subramania Bharati and Bharathidasan.[283]

Architecture

The large gopuram is a hallmark of Dravidian architecture

Dravidian architecture is the distinct style of rock architecture in Tamil Nadu.[284] In Dravidian architecture, the temples consisted of porches or mantapas preceding the door leading to the sanctum, gate-pyramids or gopurams in quadrangular enclosures that surround the temple, and pillared halls used for many purposes. These features are the invariable accompaniments of these temples. Besides these, a South Indian temple usually has a tank called the kalyani or pushkarni.[285] The gopuram is a monumental tower, usually ornate at the entrance of the temple forms a prominent feature of koils and Hindu temples of the Dravidian style.[286] They are topped by the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial and function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.[287] The gopuram's origins can be traced back to the Pallavas who built the group of monuments in Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram.[35] The Cholas later expanded the same and by the Pandya rule in twelfth century, these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple's outer appearance.[288][289] The state emblem also features the Lion Capital of Ashoka with an image of a Gopuram on the background.[290] Vimanam are similar structures built over the garbhagriha or inner sanctum of the temple but are usually smaller than the gopurams in the Dravidian architecture with a few exceptions including the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur.[291][292]

The Mugal influence in medieval times and the British influence later gave rise to a blend of Hindu, Islamic and Gothic revival styles, resulting in the distinct Indo-Saracenic architecture. Several buildings and institutions built during the British era followed the style.[293][294] By the early 20th century, art deco made its entry in the urban landscape.[295] After Indian Independence, Tamil architecture witnessed a rise in Modernism with the transition from lime-and-brick construction to concrete columns.[296]

Arts

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest dances of India.

Tamil Nadu is a major centre for music, art and dance in India.[297] Chennai is called the cultural capital of South India.[298] In the Sangam era, art forms were classified into: iyal (poetry), isai (music) and nadakam (drama).[299] Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest dances of India.[300][301][302] Other regional folk dances include Karakattam, Kavadi, Koodiyattam, Oyilattam, Paraiattam and Puravaiattam.[303][304][305][306] The dance, clothing, and sculptures of Tamil Nadu exemplify the beauty of the body and motherhood.[307] Koothu is an ancient folk art, where artists tell stories from the epics accompanied by dance and music.[308][309]

The ancient Tamil country had its own system of music called Tamil Pannisai described by Sangam literature such as the Silappatikaram.[310] A Pallava inscription dated to the 7th century CE has one of the earliest surviving examples of Indian music in notation.[311] There are many traditional instruments from the region dating back to the Sangam period such as parai, tharai, yazh and murasu.[312][313] Nadaswaram, a reed instrument that is often accompanied by the thavil, a type of drum instrument, are the major musical instruments used in temples and weddings.[314] Melam is a group of Maddalams and other similar percussion instruments from the ancient Tamilakam which are played during events.[315] The traditional music of Tamil Nadu is known as Carnatic music, which includes rhythmic and structured music by composers such as Muthuswami Dikshitar.[316] Gaana, a combination of various folk musics, is sung mainly in the working-class area of North Chennai.[317]

Government Museum in Chennai, the second oldest museum in India

The state is home to many museums, galleries, and other institutions which engage in arts research and are major tourist attractions.[318] Established in the early 18th century, the Government Museum and the National Art Gallery are amongst the oldest in the country.[319] The museum inside the premises of Fort St. George maintains a collection of objects of the British era.[320] The museum is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, and has in its possession the first Flag of India hoisted at Fort St George after the declaration of India's Independence on 15 August 1947.[321]

Tamil Nadu is also home to the Tamil film industry nicknamed as "Kollywood" and is one of the largest industries of film production in India.[322][323] The term Kollywood is a blend of Kodambakkam and Hollywood.[324] The first silent film in South India was produced in Tamil in 1916 and the first talkie was a multilingual film, Kalidas, which was released on 31 October 1931, barely seven months after India's first talking picture Alam Ara.[325][326] Samikannu Vincent, who had built the first cinema of South India in Coimbatore, introduced the concept of "Tent Cinema" in which a tent was erected on a stretch of open land close to a town or village to screen the films. The first of its kind was established in Madras, called "Edison's Grand Cinemamegaphone".[327][328][329]

Festivals

Jallikattu, a traditional bull taming event held during Pongal festivities, attracts huge crowds

Pongal is a major and multi-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamils.[330] It is observed in the month of Thai according to the Tamil solar calendar and usually falls on 14 or 15 January.[331] It is dedicated to the Surya, the Sun God and the festival is named after the ceremonial "Pongal", which means "to boil, overflow" and refers to the traditional dish prepared from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with jaggery offered to Surya.[332][333][334] Mattu Pongal is meant for celebration of cattle when the cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colors, garlands of flowers placed around their necks and processions.[335] Jallikattu is a traditional event held during the period attracting huge crowds in which a bull is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.[336]

Tamils decorate their homes with colorful geometric designs called Kolam made from rice powder[337]

Puthandu is known as Tamil New Year which marks the first day of year on the Tamil calendar. The festival date is set with the solar cycle of the solar Hindu calendar, as the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai and falls on or about 14 April every year on the Gregorian calendar.[338] Karthikai Deepam is a festival of lights that is observed on the full moon day of the Kartika month, called the Kartika Pournami, falling on the Gregorian months of November or December.[339][340] Thaipusam is a Tamil festival celebrated on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai coinciding with Pusam star and dedicated to lord Murugan. Kavadi Aattam is a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering practiced by devotees which is a central part of Thaipusam and emphasizes debt bondage.[341][342] Aadi Perukku is a Tamil cultural festival celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Adi which pays tribute to water's life-sustaining properties. The worship of Amman and Ayyanar deities are organized during the month in temples across Tamil Nadu with much fanfare.[315] Panguni Uthiram is marked on the purnima (full moon) of the month of Panguni and celebrates the wedding of various Hindu gods.[343]

Tyagaraja Aradhana is an annual music festival devoted to composer Tyagaraja. In Tiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district, thousands of music artists congregate every year.[344] Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru is a music festival which has been conducted from 18 to 25 December every year in Chennai.[345] Chennai Sangamam is a large annual open Tamil cultural festival held in Chennai with the intention of rejuvenating the old village festivals, art and artists.[346] Madras Music Season, initiated by Madras Music Academy in 1927, is celebrated every year during the month of December and features performances of traditional Carnatic music by artists from the city.[347]

Economy

The economy of the state consistently exceeded national average growth rates, due to reform-oriented economic policies in the 1970s.[348] As of December 2023, Tamil Nadu's GSDP was 27.22 trillion (US$330 billion), second highest amongst Indian states, which had grown significantly from 2.19 trillion (US$26 billion) in 2004.[4] The per-capita NDSP is 315,220 (US$3,800).[5] Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized state in India.[349] Though the state had the lowest percentage of people under the poverty line, rural unemployment rate is considerably higher at 47 per thousand compared to the national average of 28.[208][350] As of 2020, the state had the most number of factories at 38,837 units with an engaged work-force of 2.6 million.[351][352]

The state has a diversified industrial base anchored by different sectors including automobiles, software services, hardware, textiles, healthcare and financial services.[353][354] As of 2022, services contributed to 55% of the GSDP followed by manufacturing at 32% and agriculture at 13%.[355] There are 42 Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the state.[356] As per a report by Government of India, Tamil Nadu is the most export competitive state of India in 2023.[357]

Services

Tidel Park, the first IT SEZ in the state

As of 2022, the state is amongst the major Information technology (IT) exporters of India with a value of 576.87 billion (US$6.9 billion).[358][359] Established in 2000, Tidel Park in Chennai was amongst the first and largest IT parks in Asia.[360] The presence of SEZs and government policies have contributed to the growth of the sector which has attracted foreign investments and job seekers from other parts of the country.[361][362] In the 2020s, Chennai has become a major provider of SaaS and has been dubbed the "SaaS Capital of India".[363][364]

The state has two stock exchanges, Coimbatore Stock Exchange, established in 2013, and Madras Stock Exchange, established in 2015 and India's third-largest by trading volume.[365][366] The Madras Bank, the first European-style banking system in India, was established on 21 June 1683, followed by the first commercial banks such as Bank of Hindustan (1770) and General Bank of India (1786).[367] The Bank of Madras merged with two other presidency banks to form the Imperial Bank of India in 1921 which in 1955 became the State Bank of India, the largest bank in India.[368] More than 400 financial industry businesses including three banks are headquartered in the state.[369][370][371] The state hosts the south zonal office of the Reserve Bank of India, the country's central bank, along with its zonal training centre and staff college at Chennai.[372] There is a permanent back office of the World Bank in the state.[373]

Manufacturing

Arjun battle tank manufactured at AVANI in Chennai

Manufacturing in various sectors is governed by the state owned industrial corporation Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) apart from central government owned companies. Electronics hardware is a major manufacturing industry with an output of $5.37 billion in 2023, largest amongst Indian states.[374][375] A large number of automotive companies have their manufacturing bases in the state with the automotive industry in Chennai accounting for more than 35% of India's overall automotive components and automobile output, earning the nickname "Detroit of India".[376][377][378] The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai manufactures railway coaches and other rolling stock for Indian Railways.[379]

Another major industry is textiles with the state being home to more than half of the operating fiber textile mills in India.[380][381] Coimbatore is often referred to as the Manchester of South India due to its cotton production and textile industries.[382] As of 2022, Tiruppur exported garments worth US$480 billion, contributing to nearly 54% of the all the textile exports from India and the city is known as the knitwear capital due to its cotton knitwear export.[383][384] As of 2015, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu accounts for 17% of the total invested capital in all the industries.[385] As of 2021, 40% of leather goods exported from India worth 92.52 billion (US$1.1 billion) are being manufactured in the state.[386] The state supplies two-thirds of India's requirements of motors and pumps, and is one of the largest exporters of wet grinders with "Coimbatore Wet Grinder", a recognized Geographical indication.[387][388]

There are two ordnance factories in Aruvankadu and Tiruchirappalli.[389][390] AVANI, headquartered in Chennai, manufactures armoured fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, tank engines and armored clothing for the use of the Indian Armed Forces.[391][392] ISRO, the Indian space agency, operates a propulsion facility at Mahendragiri.[393]

Agriculture

Rice is the staple food grain with the state being one of the largest producers in India

Agriculture contributes 13% to the GSDP and is a major employment generator in rural areas.[355] As of 2022, the state had 6.34 million hectares under cultivation.[394][395] Rice is the staple food grain with the state being one of the largest producers in India with an output of 7.9 million tonnes in 2021–22.[396] The Kaveri delta region is known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu.[397] Among non-food grains, sugarcane is the major crop with an annual output of 16.1 million tonnes in 2021–22.[398] The state is a producer of spices and is the top producer of oil seeds, tapioca, cloves and flowers in India.[399] The state accounts for 6.5% of fruit and 4.2% of vegetables production in the country.[400][401] The state is a leading producer of banana and mango with more than 78% of the area under fruit cultivation.[402] As of 2019, the state was the second largest producer in India of natural rubber and coconuts.[403] Tea is a popular crop in hill-stations with the state being a major producer of a unique flavored Nilgiri tea.[404][405]

As of 2022, the state is the largest producer in India of poultry and eggs with an annual production of 20.8 billion units, contributing to more than 16% of the national output.[406] The state has a fishermen population of 1.05 million and the coast consists of 3 major fishing harbors, 3 medium fishing harbors and 363 fish landing centres.[407] As of 2022, the fishing output was 0.8 million tonnes with a contribution of 5% to the total fish production in India.[408] Aquaculture includes shrimp, sea weed, mussel, clam and oyster farming across more than 6000 hectares.[409] M. S. Swaminathan, known as the "father of the Indian Green Revolution" was from Tamil Nadu.[410]

Infrastructure

Water supply

Kaveri river is one of the major water sources in the state

Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly 4% of the land area and 6% of the population of India, but has only 3% of the water resources of the country. The per capita water availability is 800 m3 (28,000 cu ft) which is lower than the national average of 2,300 m3 (81,000 cu ft).[411] The state is dependent on the monsoons for replenishing the water resources. There are 17 major river basins with 61 reservoirs and about 41,948 tanks with a total surface water potential of 24,864 million cubic metres (MCM), 90% of which is used for irrigation. The utilizable groundwater recharge is 22,423 MCM.[411] The major rivers include Kaveri, Bhavani, Vaigai and Thamirabarani. With most of the rivers originating from other states, Tamil Nadu depends on neighboring states for considerable quantum of water which has often led to disputes.[412] The state has 116 large dams.[413] Apart from the rivers, the majority of the water comes from rainwater stored in more than 41,000 tanks and 1.68 million wells across the state.[394]

Water supply and sewage treatment are managed by the respective local administrative bodies such as the Chennai MetroWater Supply and Sewage Board in Chennai.[414][415] Desalination plants including the country's largest at Minjur provide alternative means of drinking water.[416] As per the 2011 census, only 83.4% of the households have access to safe drinking water, less than the national average of 85.5%.[417] Water sources are also threatened by environmental pollution and effluent discharge from industries.[418]

Health and sanitation

The General Hospital in Chennai was established on 16 November 1664 and was the first major hospital in India

The state is one of the leading states in terms of sanitation facilities with more than 99.96% of people having access to toilets.[419] The state has robust health facilities and ranks higher in all health related parameters such as high life expectancy of 74 years (sixth) and 98.4% institutional delivery (second).[207][420] Of the three demographically related targets of the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations and expected to be achieved by 2015, Tamil Nadu achieved the goals related to improvement of maternal health and of reducing infant mortality and child mortality by 2009.[421][422]

The health infrastructure in the state includes both government-run and private hospitals. As of 2023, the state had 404 public hospitals, 1,776 public dispensaries, 11,030 health centres and 481 mobile units run by the government with a capacity of more than 94,700 beds.[423][424] The General Hospital in Chennai was established on 16 November 1664 and was the first major hospital in India.[425] The state government administers free polio vaccine for eligible age groups.[426] Tamil Nadu is a major centre for medical tourism and Chennai is termed as "India's health capital".[427] Medical tourism forms an important part of the economy with more than 40% of total medical tourists visiting India making it to Tamil Nadu.[428]

Communication

Tamil Nadu is one of four Indian states connected by undersea fibre-optic cables.[429][430][431] As of 2023, four mobile phone service companies operate GSM networks including Bharti Airtel, BSNL, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio offering 4G and 5G mobile services.[432][433] Wireline and broadband services are offered by five major operators and other smaller local operators.[433] Tamil Nadu is amongst the states with a high internet usage and penetration.[434] In 2018, the state government unveiled a plan to lay 55,000 km (34,000 mi) of optical fiber across the state to provide high-speed internet.[435]

Power and energy

Kudankulam, the largest nuclear power station in India

Electricity distribution in the state is done by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board headquartered at Chennai.[436] As of 2023, the average daily consumption is 15,000 MW. Only 40% of the power is generated locally, with the remaining 60% met through purchases.[437] As of 2022, the state was the fourth largest power consumer with a per capita availability of 1588.7 Kwh.[438][439] As of 2023, the state has the third highest installed power capacity of 38,248 MW with 54.6% from renewable resources.[440][441] Thermal power is the largest contributor with more than 10,000 MW.[440] Tamil Nadu is the only state with two operational nuclear power plants. The plant at Kalpakkam is the first fully indigenous nuclear power station in India. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power station in India. It generates nearly one-third of the total nuclear power generated in the country.[442][443][444] Tamil Nadu has the largest established wind power capacity in India with over 8,000 MW, mostly based out of two regions, Palghat Gap and Muppandal. The latter is one of the largest operational onshore wind farms in the world.[445]

Media

Headquarters of Sun Network, India's largest private TV broadcaster

Newspaper publishing started in the state started with the launch of the weekly The Madras Courier in 1785.[446] It was followed by the weeklies Madras Gazette and Government Gazette in 1795.[447][448] The Spectator, founded in 1836 was the first English newspaper to be owned by an Indian and became the first daily newspaper in 1853.[449][450] The first Tamil newspaper, Swadesamitran was launched in 1899.[451][452] The state has a number of newspapers and magazines published in various languages including Tamil, English and Telugu.[453] The major dailies with more than 100,000 circulation per day include The Hindu, Dina Thanthi, Dinakaran, The Times of India, Dina Malar, and The Deccan Chronicle.[454] Several periodicals and local newspapers prevalent in select localities also bring out editions from multiple cities.[455]

Government-run Doordarshan broadcasts terrestrial and satellite television channels from its Chennai centre set up in 1974.[456] DD Podhigai, Doordarshan's Tamil language regional channel was launched on 14 April 1993.[457] There are more than 30 private satellite television networks including Sun Network, one of India's largest broadcasting companies is the state, established in 1993.[458] The cable TV service is entirely controlled by the state government while DTH and IPTV is available via various private operators.[459][460] Radio broadcasting began in 1924 by the Madras Presidency Radio Club.[461] All India Radio was established in 1938.[462] There are many AM and FM radio stations operated by All India Radio, Hello FM, Suryan FM, Radio Mirchi, Radio City and BIG FM among others.[463][464] In 2006, the government of Tamil Nadu distributed free televisions to all families, which has led to high penetration of television services.[465][466] From the early 2010s, Direct to Home has become increasingly popular replacing cable television services.[467] Tamil television serials form a major prime time source of entertainment.[468]

Others

Fire services are handled by the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services which operates 356 operating fire stations.[469] Postal service is handled by India Post, which operates more than 11,800 post offices in the state.[470] The first post office was established at Fort St. George on 1 June 1786.[471]

Transportation

Roads

Map indicating Highways network of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has an extensive road network covering about 271,000 km as of 2023 with a road density of 2,084.71 kilometres (1,295.38 mi) per 1000 km2 which is higher than the national average of 1,926.02 kilometres (1,196.77 mi) per 1000 km2.[472] The Highways Department (HD) of the state was established in April 1946 and is responsible for construction and maintenance of national highways, state highways, major district roads and other roads in the state.[473] It operates through eleven wings with 120 divisions and maintains 73,187 kilometres (45,476 mi) of highways in the state.[474][475]

Road length in TN[475]
Type NH SH MDR ODR OR Total
Length (km) 6,805 12,291 12,034 42,057 197,542 271,000
Kathipara flyover Cloverleaf interchange in Chennai

There are 48 National Highways in Tamil Nadu, totaling 6,805 kilometres (4,228 mi) in length. The National Highways Wing of the state highways department, established in 1971, is responsible for the maintenance of National Highways, as laid down by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).[476][477] There are also state highways, totalling 6,805 kilometres (4,228 mi) long, which connect district headquarters, important towns and national highways in the state.[478][475] As of 2020, 32,598 buses are operated with the state transport units operating 20,946 buses along with 7,596 private buses and 4,056 mini buses.[479] Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), established in 1947 when private buses operating in Madras presidency were nationalized, is the primary public transport bus operator in the state.[479] It operates buses along intra and inter state bus routes, as well as city routes with eight divisions including the State Express Transport Corporation Limited (SETC) which runs long-distance express services. Metropolitan Transport Corporation in Chennai and State Express Transport Corporation.[479][480] As of 2020, Tamil Nadu had 32.1 million registered vehicles.[481]

Rail

Chennai Central, one of the major railway stations
Chennai Metro is the only metro operational in the state

The rail network in Tamil Nadu forms a part of Southern Railway of Indian Railways, which is headquartered in Chennai with four divisions in the state namely Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Salem.[482] As of 2023, the state had a total railway track length of 5,601 km (3,480 mi) covering a route length of 3,858 km (2,397 mi).[483] There are 532 railway stations in the state with Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Coimbatore Junction and Madurai Junction being the top revenue earning stations.[484][485] Indian railways also has a coach manufacturing unit at Chennai, electric locomotive sheds at Arakkonam, Erode and Royapuram, diesel locomotive sheds at Erode, Tiruchirappalli and Tondiarpet, Steam locomotive shed at Coonoor along with various maintenance depots. [486][487]

Railway in Tamil Nadu[483]
Route length (km) Track length (km)
Broad Gauge Metre Gauge Total Broad Gauge Metre Gauge Total
Electrified Non electrified Total
3,476 336 3,812 46 3,858 5,555 46 5,601

Chennai has a well-established suburban railway network operated by Southern railway, covering 212 km (132 mi) which was established in 1928.[488][489] The Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is an elevated urban mass transit system established in 1995 operating on a single line from Chennai Beach to Velachery.[488][490] Chennai Metro is a rapid transit rail system in Chennai which was opened in 2015 and consists of two operational lines operating across 54.1 km (33.6 mi) in 2023.[491] Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+38 in) metre gauge railway in Nilgiris district which was built by the British in 1908 and is the only rack railway in India.[492][493][494]

Air and space

Chennai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in South Asia

The aviation history of the state began in 1910, when Giacomo D'Angelis built the first powered flight in Asia and tested it in Island Grounds.[495] In 1915, Tata Air Mail started an airmail service between Karachi and Madras, marking the beginning of civil aviation in India.[496] On 15 October 1932, J. R. D. Tata flew a Puss Moth aircraft carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay's Juhu Airstrip and the flight was continued to Madras piloted by aviator Nevill Vintcent marking the first scheduled commercial flight.[497][498] There are three international, one limited international and six domestic or private airports in Tamil Nadu.[499][500]

Chennai port, amongst the busiest in South India

Chennai airport, which is the fourth busiest airport by passenger traffic in India, is a major international airport and the main gateway to the state.[501] Other international airports in the state include Coimbatore and Tiruchirapalli while Madurai is a customs airport with limited international flights.[501] Domestic flights are operational to certain airports like Tuticorin and Salem while flights are planned to be introduced to more domestic airports by the UDAN scheme of Government of India.[502] The region comes under the purview of the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force. The Air Force operates three air bases in the state Sulur, Tambaram and Thanjavur.[503] The Indian Navy operates airbases at Arakkonam, Uchipuli and Chennai.[504][505] In 2019, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the setting up a new rocket launch pad near Kulasekharapatnam in Thoothukudi district.[506]

Water

There are three major ports, Chennai, Ennore and Thoothukudi, which are managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of the Government of India.[507] There is an intermediate sea port at Nagapattinam and sixteen other minor ports, which are managed by the department of highways and minor ports of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[472] Tamil Nadu forms part of both the Eastern Naval Command and Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, which has a major base at Chennai and logistics support base at Thoothukudi.[508][509]

Education

Tamil Nadu is one of the most literate states in India, with a literacy rate estimated to be 82.9% as per the 2017 National Statistical Commission survey, higher than the national average of 77.7%.[202][510] The state had seen one of the highest literacy growth since the 1960s due to the midday meal scheme introduced on a large scale by K. Kamaraj to increase school enrollment.[511][512][513] The scheme was further upgraded in 1982 to "Nutritious noon-meal scheme" to combat malnutrition.[514][515] As of 2022, the state has one of the highest enrollment to secondary education at 95.6%, far above the national average of 79.6%.[516] An analysis of primary school education by Pratham showed a low drop-off rate but poor quality of education compared to certain other states.[517]

As of 2022, the state had over 37,211 government schools, 8,403 government-aided schools and 12,631 private schools which educate 5.47 million, 2.84 million, and 5.69 million students respectively.[518][519] There are 3,12,683 teachers with 80,217 teachers in government-aided schools with an average teacher-pupil ratio of 1:26.6.[520] Public schools are all affiliated with the Tamil Nadu State Board, while private schools may be affiliated with either of Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) or National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).[521] School education starts with two years of kindergarten from age three onwards and then follows the Indian 10+2 plan, ten years of school and two years of higher secondary education.[522]

University of Madras, one of the oldest universities in India

As of 2023, there are 56 universities in the state including 24 public universities, four private universities and 28 deemed-to-be universities.[523] The University of Madras was founded in 1857 and is one of India's first modern universities.[524] There are 510 engineering colleges including 34 government colleges in the state.[525][526] Indian Institute of Technology Madras is a premier institute of engineering and College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University founded in 1794 is the oldest engineering college in India.[527] The Officers Training Academy of the Indian Army is headquartered at Chennai.[528] There are also 496 polytechnic institutions with 92 government colleges and 935 arts and science colleges in the state including 302 government run colleges.[525][529][530] Madras Christian College (1837), Presidency College (1840) and Pachaiyappa's College (1842) are amongst the oldest arts and science colleges in the country.[531]

Connemara Public Library is one of the oldest and is amongst the four National Depository Centres in India

There are over 870 medical, nursing and dental colleges in the state including 21 for traditional medicine and four for modern medicine.[532] The Madras Medical College was established in 1835 and is one of the oldest medical colleges in India.[533] As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings in 2023, 26 universities, 15 engineering, 35 arts science, 8 management and 8 medical colleges from the state are ranked amongst the top 100 in the country.[534][535] As of 2023, the state has a 69% reservation in educational institutions for socially backward sections of society, the highest among all Indian states.[536] There are ten institutes of national importance in the state.[537] Research institutes including Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Central Institute for Cotton Research, Sugarcane Breeding Research Institute, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) and Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education are involved in agricultural research.[538][539][540]

As of 2023, the state has 4,622 public libraries.[541] Established in 1896, Connemara Public Library is one of the oldest and is amongst the four National Depository Centres in India that receive a copy of all newspapers and books published in the country. The Anna Centenary Library is the largest library in Asia.[542][543] There are many research institutions spread across the state.[544] Chennai book fair is an annual book fair organized by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) and is typically held in December–January.[545]

Tourism and recreation

Nilgiri Mountain Railway in the Nilgiri hills is a declared World Heritage Site

With its diverse culture and architecture and varied geographies, Tamil Nadu has a robust tourism industry. In 1971, the Government of Tamil Nadu established the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, which is the nodal agency responsible for the promotion of tourism and development of tourist related infrastructure in the state.[546] It is managed by the Tourism,Culture and Religious Endowments Department.[547] The tag line "Enchanting Tamil Nadu" was adopted in the tourism promotions.[548][549] In the 21st century, the state has been amongst the top destinations for domestic and international tourists.[549][550] As of 2020, Tamil Nadu recorded the most tourist foot-falls with more than 140.7 million tourists visiting the state.[551]

Tamil Nadu's coastline is 1,076 kilometres (669 mi) long, with many beaches dotting the coast.[552] Marina Beach spanning 13 km (8.1 mi) is the second-longest urban beach in the world.[553] As the state is straddled by the Western and Eastern ghats, it is home to many hill stations, popular amongst them are Udagamandalam (Ooty) situated in the Nilgiri Hills and Kodaikanal in the Palani hills.[554][555][556] There are a number of rock-cut cave-temples and more than 34,000 temples in Tamil Nadu built across various periods some of which are several centuries old.[557][558] With many rivers and streams, there are a number of waterfalls in the state including the Courtallam and Hogenakkal Falls.[559][560] There are four World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in the state: Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram,[561] Great Living Chola Temples,[42] Nilgiri Mountain Railway,[562][563] and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.[564][565]

Sports

Kabaddi is the state game of Tamil Nadu

Kabaddi is a contact sport which is the state game of Tamil Nadu.[566][567] Pro Kabaddi League is the most popular region based franchise tournament with Tamil Thalaivas representing the state.[568][569] Chess is a popular board game which originated as Sathurangam in the 7th century CE.[570] Chennai is often dubbed "India's chess capital" as the city is home to multiple chess grandmasters, including former world champion Viswanathan Anand. The state played host to the World Chess Championship 2013 and 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022.[571][572][573][574] Traditional games like Pallanguzhi,[575] Uriyadi,[576] Gillidanda,[577] Dhaayam[578] are played across the region. Jallikattu and Rekla are traditional sporting events involving bulls.[579][580] Traditional martial arts include Silambattam,[581] Gatta gusthi,[582] and Adimurai.[583]

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, one of the oldest cricketing venues

Cricket is the most popular sport in the state.[584] The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium established in 1916 is among the oldest cricket stadiums in India and has hosted matches during multiple ICC Cricket World Cups.[585][586][587] Established in 1987, MRF Pace Foundation is a bowling academy based in Chennai.[588] Chennai is home to the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team, Chennai Super Kings, and hosted the finals during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.[589][590] Football is also popular with the Indian Super League being the major club competition and Chennaiyin FC representing the state.[591][592][593]

There are multi-purpose venues in major cities including Chennai and Coimbatore, which host football and athletics. Chennai also houses a multi–purpose indoor complex for volleyball, basketball, kabaddi and table tennis.[594][595] Chennai hosted the 1995 South Asian Games.[596] Tamil Nadu Hockey Association is the governing body of hockey in the state and Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai was the venue for the international hockey tournaments, the 2005 Men's Champions Trophy and the 2007 Men's Asia Cup.[597] Madras Boat Club (founded in 1846) and Royal Madras Yacht Club (founded in 1911) promote sailing, rowing and canoeing sports in Chennai.[598] Inaugurated in 1990, Madras Motor Race Track was the first permanent racing circuit in India and hosts formula racing events.[599] Coimbatore is often referred to as "India's Motorsports Hub" and the "Backyard of Indian Motorsports" and hosts the Kari Motor Speedway, a Formula 3 Category circuit.[600][601] Horse racing is held at the Guindy Race Course and the state has three 18-hole golf courses, the Cosmopolitan Club, the Gymkhana Club and the Coimbatore Golf Club.[602]

See also

References

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