Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a major state on the southeastern coast of India, the heartland of ancient Dravidian and Tamil culture, one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Its capital is Chennai, a major metropolis and industrial center. Renowned for its towering temples, classical arts and strong industrial base, it blends deep tradition with modern enterprise.

Tamil Nadu has a long Bay of Bengal coastline, fertile river deltas of the Kaveri, the Eastern Ghats, and the hill stations of the Western Ghats and Nilgiris inland. The climate is tropical, hot for much of the year with a distinct northeast monsoon.

Tamil culture is among the world's oldest continuous traditions, expressed in the Tamil language and literature, Bharatanatyam classical dance, Carnatic music, and spectacular Dravidian temple architecture. Cinema and a strong sense of linguistic pride are central.

Home to ancient Tamil kingdoms such as the Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas, whose temples and bronzes are world-famous, the region has a literary heritage spanning over two thousand years. Formed as Madras State and renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969.