Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is the 11th largest state in India in terms of area. Tamil Nadu is bordered by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Poducherry. It is bound by Eastern Ghats, The Anamalai Hills, The Nilgiri,Palakkad, Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait and Indian Ocean. In terms of GDP growth Tamil Nadu stands on 5th number. The development of Tamil Nadu starts very early. The main features of the state are Flora and Fauna, grand Hindu Temples of Dravidian Architecture.

History

Tamil Nadu ruled by the early Cholas between 1st and 4th centuries CE. Karikalan was the first and the most famous king, who built the kallanai dam across the Kaveri River. The Cholas were excellent in military expertise. They ruled the present Thanjavar and Tiruchirpalli districts. Chola expanded their influence in the south and the northern region. All the Chola Kings build Temples, like Brahadeswarer's temple. They were major parts of the ancient history of Tamil Nadu. Pallavas the great temple builders emerged into prominence and dominated the south for another 400 years. A large portion of Tamil Nadu was ruled by them. One of the greatest {allava rulers were Mahendravarman and his son Narasimhavarman. The last Pallava King was Aparajitha. He was defeated by Aditya Chola. Then with the decline of the Cholas towards the end of the 11th century, the Pandyas ruled the state under the Maravarman Sundara Pandya. But this for the very short time as the Pandya capital of Madhurai was defeated by Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. Because of this invasions Vijaynagar Empire established in the Deccan. And it lasted almost three centuries. After Vijaynagar Empire, The Nayak governed the state, appointed by the Vijaynagar Kingdom. They were most prominent of them all in the 17th century.

Geography

Tamil Nadu is the 11th largest staet in India in terms of Area. West and North there is a hills while the East and South are coastal plains. Tamil Nadu bordered by Karnataka to the northwest, Kerala to the west,Andhra Pradesh to the north nd Bay of Bengal to the East. Tamil Nadu also has a coastline which is more then 15% of the country's coastline. The natural disaster 'The Tsunami' hit India in 2004. Almost 8000 peoples were dead. The state have more monsoon then other states in India. The temperature of the state is 43 C (Max.), and 13 C (min.). Tamil Nadu has 31 districts.

Education

Tamil Nadu has 19 Universities. The state has more then 240 engineering college and almost 1100 arts colleges. Some of the well known institutes are there in state, namely IIT Madras, Anna University, PSG Tech, NIT Tiruchi, University of Madras, CMC Vellore, Madras Medical Colege, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Tamil Nadu also produces the highest numbers of engineering graduates in India.

Culture

Tamil Nadu has a great tradition of heritage and culture that developed over 2000 years ago and still continues to flourish. Through the rule of dynasties that ruled the state in the history, gave patronage to art and culture that resulted into the development of a unique Dravidian culture. Architecture, literature and art these fields were under tremendous growth and development because of the Pallavas, Pandya and Cholas. Bharatnatyam and Tanjore painting were developed and and continue to be practiced in Tamil Nadu. Most of the people still live in villages there. Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu. Tamil is one of the classical languages of the world. Tamil is also spoken by a number of people in Shi Lanka.

Religion

The main religion os Tamil Ndu are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism. Hiduism is the oldest religion in the state. Lot of Hindu temples are there in the state, like Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is one of the gradest temples in the country. Shiva, Vishnu and Murugan are some of the main forms worshiped there. Many more other forms, like Ganesh, Paravati, Surya, Rama, Krishna are also worshiped in the state.

Festivals

Pongal is the most famous and most celebrated festivals of Tamil Nadu. Pongal is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. At that time atmosphere around the temples become exciting and happening. The first day of Pongal is celebrated with the new clothes, people puts new clothes on that day. The second day is about Surya Pongal. And the third day, Mattu Pongal, people offer thanks to the cattle, as they provide milk and used to make a good land.

Economy

Tamil Nadu ranks 5th in terms of the size of its economy. Seventy percent of the people's occupation is agriculture. More then 30% population of the state live in urban areas while remaining population resides in rural area. With the help of science and technology people using lot of latest practices in their business. The main food crops that are grown in Tamil Nadu are rice, pulse and oil seeds. And the important crops are tea, rubber, cotton, cashew, coconut and sugarcane. At present Tamil Nadu is the most industrialized states in India. Lot of main production houses are there in the field of automobiles, diesel engines, tractors, steel, chemicals, and many more. Some of the main companies are situated in Tamil Nadu state, namely Hyundai, BMW, Ford, TVS, Mahindra and Mahindra, Royal Enfield, Ashok Leyland and many more. Tamil Nadu is also export yarn, tea, engineering goods, tobacco, handcrafts and granite.