ABOUT TAMIL NADU

தமிழ்நாடு

Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple

Area: 1,30,058 sq. km

Geography

Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India, situated at the southernmost tip of the subcontinent. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and south, with Kerala to the west, Karnataka (formerly Mysore) to the northwest, and Andhra Pradesh to the north. The state's capital, Chennai (formerly Madras), is on the northeastern coast.

Meenatchi Amman Temple, Madurai

History

Tamil Nadu's history dates back to early Sangam literature, though recorded history begins with the Pallavas in the 4th century A.D. The Cholas rose to power in the 10th century, and by the 11th, the region was ruled by dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Chalukyas.

In the 14th century, the Bahamani Sultanate and Vijayanagar Kingdom emerged, with the latter dominating South India until its fall in 1564. European powers—Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British—soon established trading posts. The British East India Company gained control, leading to the formation of the Madras Presidency, which later became Tamil Nadu.

Language

Tamil

Tamil boasts a rich historical tapestry that dates back over 2,500 years. It is one of the longest-surviving classical languages, with its origins traced to the inscriptions and literature that have been discovered from ancient times.

Tamil literature is a treasure trove of works that span centuries. From the ancient Sangam literature that dates to the 3rd century BCE to the epic creations like "Silappatikaram" and "Manimekalai," Tamil literature covers a wide array of themes and styles. Modern Tamil literature continues to thrive, reflecting contemporary issues and thoughts.

For Tamils, their language is a link to their rich cultural heritage and history. It embodies their collective identity and pride. The language serves as a bond, connecting Tamil communities across the globe, ensuring the continuity of their traditions and values into future generations.

Economy

The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Tamil Nadu for 2023-24 was projected to be INR 28.3 lakh crore (Approx. USD 332.7 billion). The state is the second-largest economy in India.

Agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors are estimated to contribute 13%, 34%, and 53% to the state's economy, respectively.

Industry

With 87% of GSDP contributed by the manufacturing and services industry combined, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of factories in India. The state also has the largest women workforce in factories in India.

The industries are powered by the state's 41.1 GW installed capacity of power generation, of which 57% is renewable energy.