In the previous disquisition, we scrutinized some of the vital aspects of Tamil Nadu. You can click here to check it out! Presently, we’ll study about the history, environment and economy of Tamil Nadu.
What is the literacy rate of Tamil Nadu? What is the GDP per capita rank of Tamil Nadu?
The word Tamil Nadu means ‘the land of Tamils’. Tamil Nadu is a southern Indian state known for its temples, architecture, food, movies and classical Indian dance and Carnatic music.
Now let’s get started and dive deep into the bygone days of Tamil Nadu.
Table of Contents
HISTORY of Tamil Nadu
The history of Tamil Nadu area dates back to more than one thousand years ago. The history of the state consists of the rise of the different kingdoms. It can be broadly divided into Ancient, Medieval and Modern Era of Tamil Nadu.
- Ancient Period:
The civilization of Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The Dravidian Civilization encapsulated the region of Tamil Nadu. The early Cholas conquered the lands of Tamil Nadu during the 1st to the 4th century. The Chola Dynasty occupies a major part in the history of Ancient Tamil Nadu. Brahadeswarer’s Temple is a magnificent example of Chola architecture. The Pallava Dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu for near about 400 years. Thus the Ancient Tamil Nadu has the marks of marvellous history.
- Medieval Period:
The Medieval period of Tamil Nadu begins with the Cholas regaining their power in the 9th century. In the 14th century, the power of the Cholas declined slowly. The power was overtaken by the Pandyas. But soon they were overpowered by the Muslim invaders. As Muslims invaded in 1316, the Hindus built the Vijaynagara Empire. This Hindu empire declined soon and the region was handed off to the Sultans of the Deccan in the Battle of Talikota.
- Modern Period:
Modern Tamil Nadu has an equally magnificent history. The rise of the British rule in Tamil Nadu marks the arrival of Modern Tamil Nadu. The Britishers took the advantage of the conflicts among the pre-existing rulers in South India. During the same time, other European powers tried to establish their power in South India as well. But gradually the British power consolidated their firm hold in the Southern Indian states including Tamil Nadu.
After India gained independence in 1947, the state of Madras was renamed as Tamil Nadu in the year 1968.
Let’s switch to another aspect of Tamil Nadu i.e. Environment.
ENVIRONMENT of Tamil Nadu
The state comprises the presence of unlimited attractions that include beautiful temples, mesmerizing hill stations, silent beaches and cities with rich heritage.
- There are 17 river basins in Tamil Nadu. Cauvery is the only major basin. Out of the total basins, 13 basins are medium and 3 are minor river basins.
- Kaveri River Palar River, Vaigai River, Noyyal River, Cheyyar River, Moyar River, Bhavani River, Thamirabarani River, etc. are the major rivers in Tamil Nadu.
- Out of so many rivers in the state, Kaverii River is the longest among all the Tamil Nadu rivers. It is the sacred river of the country; this river is popularly called the “Ganga of the South” or the “Dakshina Ganga”.
- There are 181 lakes in Tamil Nadu.
- There are almost 115 dams and reservoirs in Tamil Nadu. Some major dams and reservoirs are Aanaimaduvu reservoir, Adavinainarkovil Dam, Amaravathi Dam, Karuppanadhi Dam, Parson’s Valley Dam etc.
- The total protected area is 7,072.95 sq. km. which comes to 30.92% of the State’s Forest area. The Protected Areas in the State include 5 National parks, 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 15 Bird Sanctuaries and 2 Conservation Reserves and most importantly 4 Tiger Reserves.
Let’s talk about the economy of the state.
ECONOMY of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has the second largest economy in India over 60% of the state is urbanized. Agriculture is the mainstay of life for about half of the working population of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is one of India’s top fish producers. The major minerals mined in Tamil Nadu are limestone, bauxite, gypsum, lignite (brown coal), magnetite, and iron ore. Tamil Nadu is one of the most industrialized of the Indian states, and the manufacturing sector accounts for more than one-third of the state’s gross product. The state is the largest producer of bananas, flowers, tapioca and second largest producer of mangoes, natural rubber, coconut, groundnut and the third largest producer of coffee, sapota, tea and sugarcane.
GDP: ₹20.54 lakh crore (2019- 20)
GDP Rank: 2nd
GDP growth: 13% (2019-20)
GDP per capita: ₹214,236
GDP per capita Rank: 5th
GDP by sector: Agriculture: 13%, Industry: 34%, Services: 53% (2017–18)
Unemployment: 2.3% (2017-18)
EDUCATION of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the most literate states in India. The state’s literacy rate is 80.33% in 2011, which is above the national average. Thousands of public and private primary, middle, and high schools are scattered across Tamil Nadu. There are numerous arts and science colleges, medical colleges, engineering colleges, polytechnic institutes, and industrial training institutes. The most prominent universities of Tamil Nadu are the University of Madras and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Chennai, Annamalai University in Chidambaram; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore; and Madurai Kamaraj University in Madurai.
SPORTS of Tamil Nadu
Kabaddi is the state sport of Tamil Nadu. Aadu Puli attam is one of the ancient indoor sports in India. Major games played in the state are Seval Sandai, Jalikattu, Rekla, Sathurangam, Malyutham, Gusthi, Killithattu, etc.
Here are some more interesting facts about TAMIL NADU:
- The Great Indian Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan who made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and continued fractions was born in Erode, Tamil Nadu.
- Tamil Nadu has the largest bus terminal in Asia and the greatest number of international airports in India.
- Tamil Nadu is home to over 30,000 Hindu temples, and many of them are centuries old. Tamil Nadu is known as the ‘temple state of India’.
- The Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970, is one of the finest pieces of human endeavour at architecture is situated on a rock island in Tamil Nadu. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a major tourist attraction in Kanyakumari and houses the statue of the great preacher Swami Vivekananda.
Therefore, this was all the chief necessitate information about TAMIL NADU that will help in your preparation for competitive exams like SSC CGL, CDS, Civil Services and NDA etc.
In the next blog, we would be discussing some interesting facts and trivia about the state of Telangana. Click here for Know your State – ‘Telangana’.
If you wish to read about South Indian states, you can click on the links given below:
Know your State ‘Kerala’
Know your State ‘Andra Pradesh’
Know your State ‘Karnataka’
THANK YOU
