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Tamil Nadu GK

Sep 13, 2025

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
  • State Flower: Gloriosa Lily (Kandhal)
  • State Tree: Palm Tree
  • State Sport: Kabaddi

Art & Culture

 

  • Language: Tamil (one of the oldest existing classical languages).
  • Classical Dances: Bharatanatyam (rejuvenated by Rukmini Devi Arundale at the Kolakshetra).
  • Music: Carnatic Music. Three of the Carnatic Music gurus: Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri.
  • Temples: It is known to have Dravidian architecture.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Great Living Chola Temples (Brihadisvara Temple Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatesvara Temple Darasuram), Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.
  • Festivals Pongal (Harvest festival), Jallikattu (during Pongal), Pongal, Tamil New Year, Karthigai Deepam.
  • Famous Personalities:
    • Spiritual: Ramana Maharshi (Tiruvannamalai).
    • Sports: Mithali Raj (Cricket), Viswanathan Anand (Chess), P. T. Usha (Athletics - born in Kerala, trained in TN).
    • Cinema: The Tamil film industry (Kollywood) is located in Chennai.

Economy & Infrastructure

 

  • Industries (Major): Automotive (The "Detroit of Asia is Chennai), IT/ITeS (Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur), Textiles (Coimbatore, Tiruppur), Leather products (Vellore).

  • Agriculture: Rice, sugarcane, cotton, bananas and spices are some of the key producers.
  • Power Projects:
    • The largest nuclear power plant in India is Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tirunelveli district).
    • Nivea Lignite Corporation (NLC) is a large thermal power producer.
  • Big Ports: Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port (Ennore), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin), Kanyakumari Port.

Government Schemes (Important to the Current Affairs)

 

  • Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai: Basic income scheme of women.
  • Breakfast Scheme: Breakfast for children in school.
  • Illam Thedi Kalvi: (Education at Doorstep) scheme to overcome the learning gaps.
  • Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam: (Healthcare at Doorstep) scheme.
  • Namakku Naame: Community based development program.

Quick Reference Table

Category Key Fact Description
Ancient Capital Puhar / Kaveripattinam Ancient port city of the Cholas
Classical Dance Bharatanatyam Major Indian classical dance form
Major River Cauvery Source: Talakaveri, Karnataka; Dispute with Karnataka
Power Project Kudankulam NP Largest nuclear power plant in India
State Animal

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