Tamil Nadu GK

History of Tamil Nadu

Ancient Period:

• Sangam Age (3rd BCE -3rd CE): Literary works such as Silappathikaram, Manimekalai were written. Kingships: Cheras (Capital Vanji), Cholas (Uraiyur), Pandyas (Madurai).
• Kalabhra Interregnum (3 rd - 6 th CE): Dark age after which Pallava and Pandya regained their rule.

Medieval Period:

• Pallavas (4th - 9th CE): Kanchipuram Capital. Imperial chiefs: Mahendravarman I (cave temples), Narasimhavarman I (defeated Pulakesin II, built Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram).
• Cholas (9th - 13th CE): Golden Age. Capital: Thanjavur.
  • Rajaraja Chola I: Construction of Brihadeeswarar Temple(Thanjavur).
  • Rajendra Chola I: Added to the previous empire to Gangaikondaicholapuram, constructed a new capital and temple there. Asian naval campaigns.
• Pandyas (6th -16th CE): Resurgence of Chola fall. Capital: Madurai.

Vijayanagar and Nayak Period:

• Vijayanagar Empire: Tamil Nadu was governed by administrators (Nayaks).
• Nayak Rules: Constructed well-known temple towers (gopurams) at Madurai (Meenakshi Temple), Thanjavur and Srirangam.

Modern Period:

• European Arrival: Portuguese, Dutch, French (Pondicherry) and British (Madras Presidency, 1639).
• Poligar Wars: Revolt against the British by the Polygars such as Veerapandya Kattabomman and the Marudhu Pandiyars.
• Indian Freedom Struggle: The protagonists: V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (Swadeshi Steam Navigation Co.), Subramania Bharati (Poet), Rajaji, K. Kamaraj.

Geography of Tamil Nadu

• Setting: The most Southern state of India. Borders Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

• Coastline: Second longest in India (close to 1076km).
• Large Rivers: Cauvery, Vaigai, Thamirabarani, Palar, Pennar.
• Various mountain ranges include: Eastern Ghats, Nilgiris, Anaimalai, Palani Hills.
• Topmost Peak Doddabetta (2,637 m) in the Nilgiris.
• Protected Areas:
  • biosphere reserves : Nilgiri, Gulf of Mannar, Agasthyamalai.
  • National Parks:  Guindy NP (Chennai, smallest in India), Gulf of Mannar NP, Mudumalai NP, Anamalai (Indira Gandhi) NP.
• Districts: 38 districts. Chennai is the capital.

Administrative Setup

• Capital: Chennai

• Districts: 38
• State Animal: Nilgiri Tahr
• State Bird: Emerald Dove