Know Your State Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu GK Notes 2021(Part 1)

Here we will be discussing about Tamil Nadu, the state that has its existence dated back to 1000 years. Tamil Nadu is famous all over the world for its glorious and ancient temples. In this blog, we’ll be studying the cultural, geographical and political aspects of Tamil Nadu.

What is the official language of Tamil Nadu? What are the political aspects of Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Naduissituated on the southernmost tip of India. The state is home to the oldest living traditions, arts and culture. Tamil Nadu is a land with flowery landscapes or lip-smacking cuisines. Tamil Nadu, one of the most beautiful states of the country surely is Nation’s pride.

Let’s have a look over the State Symbols of Tamil Nadu.

Now it’s time to discuss about the topmost aspect of State i.e. Culture.

CULTURE Tamil Nadu GK Notes:

Tamil Nadu is a South Indian state which is conspicuously rich in culture, traditions and heritage. The people of Tamil Nadu belong to the reputed Dravidian Family that is known to be one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

• Tamil is the official language of the state. Tamil language is one of the oldest and longest surviving classical languages of the world which is still in use in its original form. Tamil is also spoken by many people in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia.
• Four-fifths of the population of the state are Hindus, rest of them are divided in Islam, Christianity, and Jainism.
• Traditionally, Men wear a Lungi with a shirt and Angavastra. Men also wear Vibhuti on their foreheads. Women in Tamil Nadu mainly wear Saree. Young girls wear half-saree. Kanchipuram Saree is often worn at the time of festivals.
• Idli, Dosa, Sambhar, Vada, Upma etc. are typical Madrasi Food. Tamil Food is popular in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. Some Tamilians follow the tradition of eating on Banana Leaf.
• The most important form of music in the state is Carnatic music.
• Bharatnatyam is the official dance form of Tamil Nadu that is recognised all over India and the world. Some other folk dances of the state like Parai, Villuputtu Karakaatam, and Kuthu are also performed by local people including tribal people in the state.
• Kolam commonly called as Rangoli is drawn at the doors of every house in Tamil Nadu.

Let’s talk about the geography of the State.

GEOGRAPHY Tamil Nadu GK Notes:

Tamil Nadu is a state of India that is situated in the extreme south of the subcontinent. The state is the land of temples and pilgrimage sites. Tamil Nadu is home to some of the most beautiful places in India. 

• Area: 130,058 km²

    Area rank in India: 10^th

• Population:72,147,030

    Population rank in India: 6^th

• Latitude extent: 11.13° N
• Longitude extent: 78.66° E
• The state is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the east and south and by Kerala to the west, Karnataka to the northwest, and Andhra Pradesh to the north.
• Tamil Nadu is divided naturally between the flat region along the eastern coast and the hilly regions in the north and west. 
• Major rivers of Tamil Nadu are the Kaveri, the Ponnaiyar, the Palar, the Vaigai, and the Tambraparnithat flows eastward from the inland hills.
• Forests cover approximately 15% of the state.
• Tamil Nadu has several national parks and many wildlife and bird sanctuaries.

Climate:

The climate of state is heavily influenced by its geography. The climate of Tamil Nadu is tropical.  The climate of the state ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. May and June are known as the hottest months, the average maximum temperature recorded about 100 °F, while the minimum average temperature is 80°F. While December and January considered to be the coolest months, temperatures usually raise about 30 °C. Tamil Nadu is mostly dependent on monsoon rains. The annual rainfall of the state is about 945 mm.

Soil Type:

The chief soils of Tamil Nadu are red loam, laterite, black, alluvial and saline soils. Red Loam soil occupies a large part of the State particularly interior districts including the coastal districts. The major soil percentages found in Tamil Nadu are:

• Red soils- 62%
• Black soils- 12%
• Laterite soils- 3%
• Coastal soils- 7%

Let’s study the political aspects of the state.

Government & Politics Tamil Nadu GK Notes:

The structure of the government of Tamil Nadu, like that of most other states of India, is determined by the national constitution of 1950. The head of state is the governor is appointed by the president of India. The governor is advised by the Council of Ministers that is headed by a chief minister. The state’s judiciary is headed by the High Court inChennai. The state is divided into 38 administrative districts, each administered by a district collector. Panchayats or village councils are responsible for local self-government and rural development.

Representation of Tamil Nadu in Parliament:

• Assembly seats (unicameral): 234
• Rajya Sabha: 18
• Lok Sabha: 39
• First Governor of Tamil Nadu: Sardar Ujjal Singh
• First Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu:P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja

Here comes SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TAMIL NADU:

• Marina Beach, located in Chennai is the world’s second largest beach.
• Tamil Nadu is home to over 30,000 Hindu temples, and many of them are centuries old. The colourful Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most famous.
• Pongal is Tamil Nadu’s Harvest Festival which means “spilling over.” It’s a major celebration of abundance and bounty, and it is celebrated every year in January.
• Meenakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple situated on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai. It was on the list of top 30 nominees for the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.

Hope this article made most of your facts clear about Tamil Nadu. In our upcoming write-up, we will be discussing about other important aspects of Tamil Nadu.

What is the economic background of Tamil Nadu? Where is Vivekananda Rock Memorial?

In our next blog, the factors corresponding to these questions will be answered surely. If you don’t want to miss it, click here – Know your State ‘Tamil Nadu’ – Part 2. We hope it will help you in the preparation of your competitive exams such SSC 10+2, SSC CGL, CDS, NDA, etc.

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