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{{Short description|State in southern India}}
{{good article}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Tamil Nadu
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
|photo1a = Mamallapuram view.jpg
|photo2a = Left side view Brihadeeswara.jpg
|photo2b = Statue of Thiruvalluvar.jpg
|photo3a = A Magnificient Evening Sunset With Pamban Railway Bridge and Boat Mail Express Passes Through this Pamban Railway Bridge !-.jpg
|photo3b = Hogenakkal Falls Close.jpg
|photo4a = Nilgiri Hills.jpg
|spacing = 1
|size = 250
|position = center
|border = 0
|color = #000000
|foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top''': [[Shore Temple]]; [[Thiruvalluvar Statue]]; [[Hogenakkal Falls]]; [[Nilgiri Mountains]]; [[Pamban Bridge]]; and [[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|Brihadisvara Temple]]
 }}
| type = State
| image_seal = TamilNadu Logo.svg
| etymology = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] Country
| nickname = "Land of Temples"
| motto = Vāymaiyē vellum (Truth alone triumphs)
| anthem = "[[Tamil Thai Valthu]]" <br/>
(Invocation to Mother Tamil)
| image_map = IN-TN.svg
| coordinates = {{Coord|11|N|79|E|region:IN-TN_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| region = South India
| before_was = [[Madras State]]
| formation_date4 = 1 November 1956
| capital = Chennai
| largestcity = capital
| metro = Chennai metropolitan area
| districts = [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu|38 (5 divisions)]]
| Governor = [[R. N. Ravi]]
| Chief_Minister = [[M. K. Stalin]]
| party = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| assembly = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| assembly_seats = 234 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 18 seats
| lok_sabha_seats = 39 seats
| judiciary = [[Madras High Court]]
| area_total_km2 = 130058
| area_rank = 10th
| length_km = 1076
| elevation_m = 189
| elevation_max_m = 2,636
| elevation_max_point = [[Doddabetta]]
| elevation_min_m = 0
| 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>
| population_total = 72,147,030
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = 6th
| population_density = 554.7
| population_urban = 48.4%
| population_rural = 51.6%
| population_demonym = {{Hlist|[[Tamilian]]|[[Tamilar]]|}}
| 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>
| additional_official = [[English language|English]]<ref name="Lang"/>
| official_script = [[Tamil script]]
| GDP_footnotes = <ref name="GSDP">{{cite report|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22091|title=Gross State Domestic Product (Current Prices)|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126052814/https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=22091|url-status=live}}</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 May 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603081932/https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_as_on_15032024.xls|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GDP_total = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|23.65|t|lk=r}}
| GDP_year = 2022-23
| GDP_rank = 2nd
| GDP_per_capita = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|275583|lk=r}}
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 9th
| HDI = {{Decrease}} 0.686 {{color|#fc0|Medium}}
| HDI_year = 2021
| HDI_rank = 14th
| literacy = {{Increase}} 80.09%
| literacy_year = 2011
| literacy_rank = 14th
| sex_ratio = 996[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| sexratio_year = 2011
| sexratio_rank = 3rd
| iso_code = IN-TN
| registration_plate = TN
| website = tn.gov.in
| mammal = [[Nilgiri Tahr]]
| bird = [[Common emerald dove|Emerald Dove]]
| butterfly = [[Cirrochroa thais|Tamil Yeoman]]
| flower = [[Gloriosa (plant)|Gloriosa Lily]]
| tree = [[Borassus flabellifer|Asian Palm]]
| fruit = [[Jackfruit]]
| image_highway = SH IN-TN.png
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Tamil Nadu|TN SH1 - TN SH223]]
}}'''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]], one of the longest surviving [[Classical languages of India|classical languages]] and which serves as its official language. 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 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]].

[[Archaeological evidence]] points to Tamil Nadu being inhabited for more than 400 millennia, first by [[Archaic humans|hominids]] and then by modern [[human]]s. Tamil Nadu has more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history. [[History of Tamil Nadu|Historically]], the [[Tamilakam]] region was inhabited by Tamil-speaking [[Dravidian peoples|Dravidian]] people and was ruled by several regimes over centuries, such as the [[Sangam era]] [[Three Crowned Kings|triumverate]] 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 [[South India]] as the [[Madras Presidency]] for two centuries before [[India's Independence|Indian Independence]] in 1947. After independence, 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 the 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.

As the most urbanised state of India, Tamil Nadu boasts an [[economy of Tamil Nadu|economy]] with gross state domestic product (GSDP) of {{INRConvert|23.65|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|275583|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. Forests occupy an area of {{convert|22,643|km2|abbr=on}} constituting 17.4% of the geographic area of which protected areas cover an area of {{convert|3,305|km2|abbr=on}}, around 15% of the recorded forest area of the state and consists of 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|Kanniya Kumari]].<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 ==
{{Main|History of Tamil Nadu}}

=== Prehistory (before 5th century BCE) ===
[[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 dating to the 6th century 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 is 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>

=== 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)]]
{{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 language|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>

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 language|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>

=== Medieval era (4th–13th century CE) ===
[[File:Five Rathas - Mahabalipuram.jpg|thumb|left|[[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]].<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>

[[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]]

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 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 (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>
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) ===
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>

[[File:Fort Dansborg.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Fort Dansborg]] at [[Tharangambadi]], built by the [[Danes]]]]

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/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/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., [<span class="ltr">16</span>] 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|page=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}}</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:Fort St. George, Chennai.jpg|left|thumb|An 18th-century coloured [[engraving]] of [[Fort St. George, India|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.<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>

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>

=== 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"/>

== 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: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 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 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>

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 ===
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map IND present.svg|thumb|Climatic zones of India]]
[[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.]]

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 (<span class="ltr">AS</span>) 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>

=== Flora and fauna ===
{{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.]]

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>

[[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.]]

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"/>

[[File:Tiger_Drinking_Pond_Mudumalai_Mar21_DSC01310.jpg|thumb|A [[Bengal tiger]] at [[Mudumalai National Park]], the first modern [[wildlife sanctuary]] in South India]]

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>

[[File:Pichavaram_1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Pichavaram]], one of the few [[mangrove]] forests in India]]

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>

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 85%"
|+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 ==
=== Administration ===
{|class="wikitable" style="float:right; clear:right; margin-right:1em"
|+ Administrative officials
|-
!Title
!Name
|-
|[[Governor of Tamil Nadu|Governor]]
|[[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]]
|[[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]]
|R. Mahadevan<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/justice-r-mahadevan-to-be-acting-chief-justice-of-madras-high-court-from-friday/article68202918.ece|title=Justice R. Mahadevan to be Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court from Friday|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 May 2024|access-date=25 May 2024|archive-date=24 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524151352/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/justice-r-mahadevan-to-be-acting-chief-justice-of-madras-high-court-from-friday/article68202918.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
{{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>

=== Legislature ===
[[File:Fort_St._George,_Chennai_2.jpg|thumb|[[Fort St. George]] hosts the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]]]
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, Consitution 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|page=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:A building in Chennai.JPG|thumb|[[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.<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>

=== Politics ===
{{Main|Elections in Tamil Nadu|Politics of Tamil Nadu}}
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>

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>

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>

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations
|align = right
|state = 
|1901|1,92,52,630
|1911|2,09,02,616
|1921|2,16,28,518
|1931|2,34,72,099
|1941|2,62,67,507
|1951|3,01,19,047
|1961|3,36,86,953
|1971|4,11,99,168
|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}}
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]] (<span class="ltr">SC</span>) and 0.8 million (1.1%) to [[Scheduled tribes]] (<span class="ltr">ST</span>).<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>

{{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>

=== 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
|nonav = y
|country = Tamil Nadu
|stat_ref = (2011)<ref name="UA"/>
|list_by_pop = List of cities in Tamil Nadu
|div_name = District
|div_link = List of districts in Tamil Nadu{{!}}District

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

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

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

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

|city_5 = Tiruppur
|div_5 = Tiruppur district{{!}}Tiruppur
|pop_5 = 962,982

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

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

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

|city_9 = Tirunelveli
|div_9 = Tirunelveli district{{!}}Tirunelveli
|pop_9 = 498,984

|city_10 = Thoothukudi
|div_10 = Thoothukudi district{{!}}Thoothukudi
|pop_10 = 410,760
}}

=== Religion and ethnicity ===
{{Bar chart
|float = right
|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>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = orange
|data1 = 87.6
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|color2 = dodgerBlue
|data2 = 6.1
|label3 = [[Islam]]
|color3 = Green
|data3 = 5.86
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|color4 = deeppink
|data4 = 0.1
|label5= Others/Not stated
|data5= 0.3
|color5= turquoise
}}
{{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>

=== Language ===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|radius=75
|caption = Distribution of languages in Tamil Nadu (2011)<ref name="LRT"/>
|label1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|color1 = orange
|value1 = 88.35
|label2 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|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 language|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"/>

===LGBT rights===
{{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>

==Culture and heritage==
{{Main|Tamil culture}}

===Clothing===
[[File:Kanchipuram sarees (7642282200).jpg|thumb|[[Kanchipuram silk sari]]s worn by women on special occasions]]
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>

===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 recognized 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:The Hindu Sage Agastya.jpg|thumb|upright|Sculpture of Sage [[Agastya]]]]
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|page=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|page=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|page=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>

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>

===Architecture===
[[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 tank called the ''kalyani'' or ''pushkarni''.<ref>{{cite book|last= Fergusson|first= James|title= History of Indian and Eastern Architecture|origyear= 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>

===Arts===
{{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>

[[File:Madras_museum_theatre_in_October_2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Government Museum, Chennai|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.<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>

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=live}}</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
|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>

===Festivals===
[[File:Madurai-alanganallur-jallikattu.jpg|thumb|[[Jallikattu]], a traditional bull taming event held during [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] festivities, attracts huge crowds]]
[[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|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>

== Economy ==
{{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|2022}}, Tamil Nadu's [[Gross state product|GSDP]] was {{INRConvert|23.65|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|275583|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>

===Services===
[[File:Tid.jpg|thumb|[[Tidel Park]], the first [[Information Technology|IT]] [[Special Economic Zone|SEZ]] in the state]] 
{{As of|2022}}, the state is amongst the major [[Information technology]] (<span class="ltr">IT</span>) 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>

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>

===Manufacturing===
[[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>

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===
[[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>

== Infrastructure ==
=== 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>

=== 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]]
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>

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>

=== Communication ===
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>

=== Power and energy ===
[[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 ===
[[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=978-0-520-22598-}}</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>

===Others===
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>

== Transportation ==
===Roads===
[[File:Highway Network of Tamil Nadu.png|thumb|Map indicating Highways network of Tamil Nadu]]
{{Main|Road network 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]] (<span class="ltr">HD</span>) 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>

{|class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center;" style="font-size: 100%"
|+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 (<span class="ltr">km</span>)
|6,805
|12,291
|12,034
|42,057
|197,542
|'''271,000'''
|}

[[File:Kathipara.jpg|thumb|[[Kathipara Junction|Kathipara flyover]] [[Cloverleaf interchange]] in [[Chennai]]]]

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===
{{Main|Southern Railway zone}}
[[File:Chennai_Central_Station_panorama.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Central]], one of the major railway stations]]
[[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%"
|+Railway in Tamil Nadu<ref name="SR1"/>
!colspan="5"|Route length (<span class="ltr">km</span>)
!colspan="3"|Track length (<span class="ltr">km</span>)
|-
!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>

===Air and space===
[[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>

===Water===
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>

== Education ==
{{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>
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>

[[File:Senate House (University of Madras).jpg|thumb|left|[[University of Madras]], one of the oldest universities 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> 
[[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>

{{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>

== Tourism and recreation==
{{Main|Tourism in Tamil Nadu}}
[[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]]]]
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 "Enchating 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>

==Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Tamil Nadu}}
[[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>

[[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]]

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>

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 also ==
*[[Chronology of Tamil history]]
*[[Outline of Tamil Nadu]]
*[[Tamil inscriptions]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|3}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Tamil Nadu}}
*{{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Tamil_Nadu|Tamil Nadu}}
*{{osmrelation-inline|96905}}

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