Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, is renowned for its ancient Dravidian heritage, classical Tamil language, and vibrant culture. It is the tenth-largest state by area, covering approximately 130,058 sq km.
Tamil Nadu traces its roots to antiquity, with early references in the Sangam classics (ancient Tamil literature from 300 BCE–300 CE). The region was dominated by powerful dynasties including the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas, followed by the rise of the Pallavas in the 4th century CE, who pioneered the iconic Dravidian style of temple architecture seen in masterpieces like the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
European powers arrived in the 16th–17th centuries, establishing trading centers ("Factories")—the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and English. The British gradually dominated, incorporating the region into the Madras Presidency.
After independence, the modern state emerged as the successor to the Madras Presidency. It was reorganized linguistically under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, on November 1, 1956, integrating Tamil-speaking areas. Initially called Madras State, it was officially renamed Tamil Nadu ("Land of the Tamils") on January 14, 1969.
Tamil Nadu is bordered by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to the north, Kerala to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. It boasts the second-longest coastline among Indian states at approximately 1,068–1,076 km (after Gujarat), stretching along the Coromandel Coast.
The state is rich in industrial minerals, with significant deposits of lignite (one of India's largest reserves, especially in Neyveli), limestone, granite (pioneered quarrying in the 1970s), magnesite, bauxite, iron ore, graphite, vermiculite, and others, supporting cement, steel, and other industries.
Agriculture remains vital, with pioneering initiatives like collective farming (group farming to enhance productivity and sustainability), integrated farming schemes, and digital tools such as the Uzhavan mobile app—a one-stop platform providing farmers with real-time information on subsidies, crop insurance, weather, market prices, soil health, and more.
Tamil Nadu blends ancient temples, classical arts (like Bharatanatyam), and modern industry (automobiles, IT, textiles). With a literacy rate of 80.09% (Census 2011; higher in recent surveys), it ranks among India's most literate states.
Tamil Nadu stands as a cradle of Dravidian civilization, natural beauty, and progressive development, offering a unique fusion of tradition and innovation.