The region has had long continuous human habitation. Its history and cultural traditions are among the oldest in the world. In the medieval times the region was ruled by Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas and Pallavas. In 1639, the Europeans, British East India Co., established their presence by purchasing a piece of land "Chennapatnam". As years passed by, their presence and control over the entire country expanded by mid 18th century. The British made Madras as one of their major base for their activities and thus Madras played a major role in Indian History. The region was administered as Madras Province by the British until independence. After independence, it was Madras State and by the reorganization process - Malabar was ceded to Kerala, Tirupati was ceded to Andhra Pradesh, and some areas like Tiruttani was added to Madras and the reorganized Madras State came into effect on 1.11.1956.

14.1.1969.

1996

Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Ooty, Erode, Karur, Virudhunagar, Thanjavur, Salem, Vellore, Namakkal, Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, Sivakasi, Chidambaram, Dindigul.

Kaveri, Vaigai, Tamiraparani, Palar, Bhavani and Amaravathi.

1. ARIYALUR: Gangaikondacholapuram, a world heritage site, built by Rajendra Chola I lies in this district. Cement industries are around.
2. CHENNAI:
a) Lies on the coromandel coast - eastern coast of Bay of Bengal.
b). British arrived here in 1639, bought a piece of village land called Chennapatnam from Damerla Venkatadri a Nayak of Vandavasi and in 1640 built Fort St. George which they held until 1947 excepting for a brief period between 1746-1749 lost to the French.
c). During the British period and until August 1996 it was known as Madras when it was named as Chennai.
d) Prior to the British, the region around Chennai was ruled by different rulers like Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara during different periods. Mylapore, a place at the heart of the city was once part of the Pallava Kingdom.
e) The Portuguese who arrived here in 1522, also had a small role to play in the development of the city.
f) It is the capital city and one of the four major metros of the country.
g) Marina Beach, Vandalur Zoo, Museum, Snake Park, Mamallapuram, and host of temples and religious places are the attraction.
3. COIMBATORE: An industrial city dominated by Textile Mills and Motor Pumps dominating the industrial activity. Because of the textile industries, it is called the Manchester of South India. The city lies on the banks of Noyyal river and derives its name from its earlier Tamil name Koniammanputhur.Famous for educational institutions like Tamilnadu Agricultural University, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore Institute of Technology and a host of other institutions. A Sainik School, Air Force Administrative College and Air Force Station are located here. Few Temples and places of interest are there. It is the gateway to the famous hill stations of Nilgiris.
4. CUDDALORE: A coastal district which suffered heavy damages and casualities during Tsunami in 2004 and also by the cyclone Thane during the last week of December 2011. Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd., Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Annamalai University (one of the oldest) are located here. A port is under development. Otherwise mostly agricultural.
5. DHARMAPURI : A backward district. Hogenakkal water falls, Mangoes, Eggs, Black Marble are the sources of economy.
6. DINDIGUL: Agricultural district. Palani Murugan Temple, Kodaikkanal Hill Station are the famous places of attraction. Locks and Tanneries are the economical activity.
7. ERODE: Also called Periyar Dt., in memory of the famous social reformer E.V.Ramasamy Naicker, who was called as Periyar. Agriculturally an important district, catered by Kaveri, Bhavani, Amaravati and Noyyal rivers. Turmeric is a major produce. Handloom textiles are very famous. Srinivasa Ramanujan the famous mathematician was born here.
8. KANCHIPURAM: Famous for Temples. Seat of the Pallava dynasty. An important place for Hindus, with the Kanchi Sankara Mutt located here. Silk Sarees of this district is famous world over. Primarily an agricultural district.
9. KANYAKUMARI : A coastal district. The town Kanyakumari is the southern most point of India. A cape at the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Indian ocean, and Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda rock memorial, 133 metre high Tiruvalluvar Statue on the sea rock, are the attractions. Forests, Forts and few temples are also there for visits.
10. KARUR: Predominantly agricultural district. Handloom textiles are very famous.
11. KRISHNAGIRI : Famous for the world's most tastiest mangoes. Hosur a town in this district is an industrial town with major companies having their units here. It is the home town of India's first Governor General Sir C. Rajagopalachari - also called Rajaji.
12. MADURAI : Lies on the banks of Vaigai river. Madurai Town alone is the major town while the rest of the district is agricultural. Meenakshi Temple, Vaigai Dam and "Sungudi" cotton handloom sarees and Jasmine flowers are famous.
13. NAGAPATTINAM: A coastal district which suffered heavily during 2004 Tsunami. Nagore Dargah and Velankanni Church are very famous pilgrimage centres for Muslims and Christians respectively.
14. NAMAKKAL: Famous for poultry products, lorry transport and related works. Kolli Hills, Fort, Hanuman Temple are the places of interest.Tiruchengode of this district is famous for lorry body building works. The district has been continuously producing state toppers in +2 exams.
15. NILGIRIS: Hilly district. Ootacamund (Ooty) is the famous Hill station - developed by John Sullivan who was the then collector of Coimbatore. Nilgiris Mountain Railways is a world heritage site. Ooty was the summer Capital of the British Madras Presidency/province. Annual flower show at Ooty is a major tourist attraction. Coonoor and Kotagiri are the other hill stations. Wellington in this district has the Officers' Training Centre, Madras Regiment Centre and other military establishments.The game of Billiards was invented here by the British soldiers.
16. PERAMBALUR : Agriculture oriented district.
17. PUDUKOTTAI: Formerly a princely state ruled by "Thondaiman" kings. Agriculture is dominant.
18. RAMANATHAPURAM: A backward and coastal district. Rameshwaram - famous for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the hometown of our former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, lies here. Famous Actor Kamal Hassan was born at Paramakudi of this district.
19. SALEM: Excepting Salem Town, the district is basically agricultural.Yercaud, the Hill station, SAIL's Stainless Steel Plant, Mettur Dam across Kaveri river and Hydro Electric Project are located in this district.Sago industry, handlooms, fruits cultivation and marketing, Timber Industry are the other activities.
20. SIVAGANGA : A backward district. Karaikudi in this district is famous for Chettiyar community whose contribution to industrial development, is Noteworthy. The mansions of the Chettiars around Karaikudi are famous for their architectural beauty. The Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, only one of its kind India, is located here in Karaikudi. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple at Pillayar Patti in this district is a very famous temple.
21. THANJAVUR : Lies on the banks of Kaveri river. Called as "Rice Bowl" of India, as paddy cultivation is very high. Brihadeeswarar Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola, a world heritage is famous. The district is also the musical capital of South India in the classical traditions. The district has contributed great academicians, politicians, musicians etc., to the state and India. Thiruvaiyaru - where annual carnatic music festival is held in memory of Saint Thyagaraja attracts huge congregation of musicians. A district with lot of Hindu Temples.
22. THENI: Naturally beautiful district with scenic surroundings. Agriculture is dominant with Silk, cotton, coffee, cardamom etc., are the produce.
23. THOOTHUKKUDI: Called as " Tuticorin ". The city was founded by the Dutch in 1528. A port and a few industries have recently been developed.The district had been a major contributor of freedom fighters. Tiruchendur a famous sea-shore temple, Sri vaikundam a famous Hindu Temple, Kovil Patti famous for match, crackers and calendar making Industries are the famous places of this district. Ettayapuram - a place here is historically important, where in the famous Veerapandia Kattabomman who was posing a threat to the British, was caught and hanged by the British, by the treachery act of Ettappan, a zamindar. Thus the world "Ettappan" a synonym for a traitor came to be used in Tamil. This district holds a proud place in the history of shipping industry to start in India. V.O. Chidambaram, a freedom fighter and lawyer of this district, was the first to start the "Swadeshi Steam Shipping Co.," which laid the foundation for the shipping industry to grow in India.
24. THIRUCHIRAPALLI : An agricultural district. Tiruchirapalli is the major town of this district, with BHEL, Railway Divisional Office, Golden Rock Workshops, Ordnance Factory, century plus old St. Joseph's college (APJ Abdul Kalam did his graduation here), National Institute of Technology, Srirangam Temple, Rock Temple of Lord Ganesha are the important activities/places of interest of this district.
25. TIRUNELVELY : Also called Kattabomman district. Agriculture dominates. Tirunelvely is the major town where all the activities are centred. Not much industries. Education and commercial activities are centred around the twin towns of Tirunelvely and Palayamkottai. PalayamKottai is famous for Educational institutions.Tenkasi - famous for water falls at Courtallam and seasonal tourism. Ambasamudram - a place of scenic beauty and famous for handicrafts. Deivacheyalpuram - famous for Lord Rama temple and 75 feet Anchaneyar Temple.Manapad - Holy Cross Church built in 1581 associated with St. Francis Xavier.These are the places of interest in this district.
26. THIRUPPUR: Tirupur town is famous for textile activities. Amaravathi Dam, Crocodile Park, Thirumoorthy Dam, Indira Gandhi Wild Life sanctuary, and some Hindu temples are the places of interest in this district.
27. TIRUVALLUR : An extention of the Chennai city. Partially industrialized. Ambattur falling within this district is an industrial hub. Tiruttani Lord Muruga Temple is the major religious attraction.
28. TIRUVANNAMALAI : An agricultural district and industrially backward. Famous for the Arunachaleswarar Temple and for the Thai Krithigai - a festival of lights. Sri Ramana Maharishi Ashram is located here. Arani - famous for silk sarees. Vandavasi - Historically important place where the British and French had long and pitched battles during the 1760s. Cheyyar - famous for leather industry. These are places of interest in this district.
29. TIRUVARUR: Agricultural district. Famous for producing leading classical musicians. It is the hometown of DMK Chief and former CM of Tamilnadu Sri. M. Karunanidhi.
30. VELLORE: Agricultural district. Historically an important town. Has a strong and beautiful fort complex which housed the British regiment. It also houses the famous Hindu Temple Jalakandeswarar, a mosque and a church an example of communal harmony in those days. It is in this fort, the movement for independence originated in 1806 - a mutiny. The town has the famous Christian Medical college and Hospital, Vellore Institute of Technology, a famous deemed university. Yelagiri - is a small hill station and picnic spot. Gudiyattam and Vaniyambadi - Tannery industries.Sholinghur - Famous for Narasimhaswamy Temple on a steep hill top.
31. VILLUPURAM : An agricultural district. Gingee Fort is the only attraction.
32. VIRUDHUNAGAR : Agribusiness in Chillies, Pulses, Edible Oil and cotton is dominant. Birthplace of Kamarajar, a freedom fighter and CM of Tamilnadu called as "King Maker of Indian Politics". Sivakasi - Known as " Little Japan" - famous for crackers and printing Industry. Red Chillies is the major agricultural produce. Rajapalayam - Famous industrialists Rajah families hail from here. Famous for a rare breed of dogs, famous for its hunting abilities. Srivilliputtur - Famous for Vaishnavite Andal Temple. The Temple Tower one of the tallest, in South India, is also the state emblem.

Bharatanatyam and Karagattam.

Pongal, Deepavali, Tamil New Year Day, and other religious festivals.

There are very many of them. To mention a few important ones are:
1.Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri - are all Hill Stations.
2.Suchindram, Rameswaram, Tiruchendur, Tiruttani, Srirangam, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Tirunallar, Vaideeswaran Koil, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Kanyakumari, Nagore, Velankanni - religious places.
3.Mahabalipuram, Poompuhar, Pitchavaram, Courtallam, Hogenakkal - are all places of interest.
4.Mudumalai, Anamalai, Vedanthangal are all places for animal lovers.

1. Chennai Central Station: Built in 1873, designed by architect Henry Irwin. A land mark building in Chennai.
2. Ripon Building - Houses the Corporation Offices - lies adjacent to the Central Station - Named after Lord Ripon.
3. Fort St. George - Built in 1644 - now houses the State Secretariate.
4. Kapaleeswarar Temple - Lord Shiva Temple built in 7th century by Pallavas.
5. Marina Beach - One of the beautiful beaches in the world. The second longest.
6. Santhome Church - Built around 1523.
7. Government Museum - established around 1851.
8. Zoological Garden, Vandalur - originally established in 1855 and then shifted to the present location in 1985. The first public zoo in India.
9. Snake Park in Guindy National Park, and Crocodile Park, near Mahabalipuram are the famous place of visits. Established by Romulus Earl Whitaker. 10.Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) - Shore Temples of Pallava period. Lies about 45 Kms from Chennai - built during the reign of the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman.

1. Chennai and Ennore Port.
2. Southern Railway Headquarters, Integral Coach Factory and other related offices.
3. TVS, TI, Enfield, Honda, Hyndai, Ford, Mitsubishi, Murgappa groups, Oil refinery, Pharmaceutical industries, and small scale industries.
4. TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant and a host of IT companies.
5. Defence establishments like officers training academy, Heavy Vehicle Factory, Ordnance Clothing Factory, Engine Factory, Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Air Force Training School, INS Adyar, and a lot of other institutions are located here.
6. Reserve Bank of India, and other national and international banks have their headquaters here.
7. IIT, MIT, Anna University, CIPET, Madras Medical College, Stanlely Medical and host of higher level educational institutions.

1. C. Rajagopalachari - First Indian Governor General of India, Scholar, statesman, writer.
2. R. Venkataraman and APJ Abdul Kalam - Former Presidents of India.
3. S.R.Nathan - Indian origin - President - Singapore.
4. Dheeran Chinnamalai, Kattabomman, Bharatiyar, V.O. Chidambaram,Subramania Siva, Sathyamurthy, Muthuramalinga Thevar and host of other freedom fighters.
5. Thillaiyadi Valliammai, Thambi Naidoo, Naransamy Roy Naidoo, Amma Naidoo, George Naicker, Shanti Naidoo - are all Tamil Indian South African freedom fighters (against apartheid).
6. K.Kamaraj, C N Annadurai, M G Ramachandran, Karunanidhi, J. Jayalalitha, G.K.Moopanar, G.K.Vasan and others - politicians.
7. E.V.Ramasamy Naicker - Social Reformer.
8. Gen.P.P.Kumaramangalam, Gen. K. Sundarrajan, Gen.P. Sundararajan, all army generals. Air Chief Marshal Krishnaswamy.
9. M.S.Swaminathan - Agricultural Scientist - father of Indian Agricultural revolution during the 1970s.
10. C.Subramanian, T.T.Krishnamachary, Shanmugham Chetty, P.Chidambaram, Murasoli Maran, Dayanidhi Maran, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Mohan Kumaramangalam, Rangarajan Kumaramangalam, M.Karunanidhi, J. Jayalalitha, M.G.Ramachandran, T.R.Balu, R. Velu, Raja, and many more politicians and Ministers.
11. M.S.Subbulakshmi, D.K.Pattammal, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Mandolin Srinivas, Drums Sivamani, T.N.Krishnan, Dr.N.Ramani, G.N.Balasubramanian, Nithya Shree and a whole lot of musicians.
12. K.V.Mahadevan, M.S.Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraja, A.R.Rahman are all famous cine music directors.
13. Sir C.V.Raman and Subramanian Chandrasekhar - Nobel Laureates.
14. V. Shanta - Director, Cancer Institute, Chennai.
15. Viswanathan Anand, Chess Player.
16. Dhanraj Pillay, V.J.James, V.J. Phillips Brothers, V.Bhaskaran and Brothers, Muneer Sait and many more famous hockey players.
17. Srinivas Ramanujan - Great Mathematician.
18. C. Rangarajan, Economist and RBI Governor, MP and Governor.
19. S. Venkitaramanan - former Governor RBI.
20. Dr. Kasturi Rangan - Chairman, ISRO.
21. Dr. Sivathanu Pillai - Defence Scientist.
22. G.D. Naidu, Industrialist and philanthropist.
23. Padma Subramanian, Chitra Visweswaran, Rukmani Devi Arundale, Hema Malini - all famous Bharatanatyam dancers.
24. A.P.Nagarajan, K. Balachandar, C.V.Sridhar, Mani Ratnam, Balu Mahendra, Mahendra, S. Shankar, K.S. Ravikumar, Bala, S.P.Muthuraman, Bharati Raja and a host of famous cinema directors.
25. M.G.Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Rajini Kanth, Kamal Hasan, Sri Devi, Sri Vidya, Manorama, Nagesh, Vadivel, M.N.Nambiar, and a whole lot of cine actors.
26. Maria Irudhayam - world carom champion.
27. Anand Viswanathan, Manuel Aaron, K. Sasikiran, S. Vijayalaxmi, Aarthi Ramasamy all famous chess players.
28. M.J.Gopalan, C.R.Rangachari, C.D.Gopinath, S.Venkataraghavan, L.Sivaramakrishnan, K.Srikanth, Murali Karthick, S. Ramesh, L. Balaji, Dinesh Karthi and many other famous cricketers.
29. Narain Karthikeyan - First Indian F1 Race Driver.
30. Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan, Amritharaj family - all great tennis players.
31. Shiv Nadar, Raja Annamalai Chettiar and family, MAM Ramasamy,Alagappa Chettiar and family, M.Chidambaram, N. Mahalingam,Ramasamy Rajah & family., Kalanidhi Maran, Sundaram Iyengar and family, and a host of other industrialists.

22nd August - Because on this date in 1639, the land transaction between British East India Co., and the local Nayak ruler took place. The place was Chennapatnam later to become Madras/Chennai.

Kumbakonam. It is also the place of an unfortunate incident on 16.7.2004 In which about 123 school children died of a fire accident in a school.

M.G.Ramachandran (cine actor) when he was CM of Tamilnadu. (Prior to M.G.Ramachandran, former CM K.Kamaraj was the first to introduce the noon moon scheme in schools.)

Omandur Ramasamy Reddiar. 1947-1949.

Namakkal - largest producer of eggs.