History of Tamil Nadu
Pre History:
Tamil Nadu’s history dates back to pre-historic times. Archaeological evidence points to this area being one of the longest continuous habitations in India. In Adichanallur, 24 km (15 mi) from Tirunelveli, archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India unearthed 169 clay urns containing human skulls, skeletons and bones, plus husks and grains of rice, charred rice and Neolithic celts, giving evidence confirming them to be of the Neolithic period, 3800 years ago. The ASI archaeologists have proposed that the script used at that site is “very rudimentary” Tamil Brahmi. Adichanallur has been announced as an archaeological site for further excavation and studies. About 60% of the total epigraphical inscriptions found by ASI in India are from Tamil Nadu and most of which are in Tamil language.
It is said that what we call as the Kumarikandam and the Lemuria continents as vouched by the European historians are one and the same. Therefore, it is assumed, that the history of Tamils began from the Lemuria era itself. It is further established that the civilisation of the historical sites like Mohanjadero and Harappa are also that of Tamils. The language used there also similar to the ancient one spoken by Tamils. The Archeological findings of Adichanalloor in Tamilnadu in the year 1876 like earthen vessels, golden ornaments, Ornamental brass lamps etc vouch for the fact that the Tamils were equally adept in handling clay as well as various kinds of metals.
Ancient Tamil Nadu:
The History of Ancient Tamil Nadu can be traced back to about 6000 years back. The Dravidian Civilization encapsulates the state of Tamil Nadu as well some of its neighboring states of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh . The history of Ancient Tamil Nadu can be placed somewhere between 1st to 9th centuries. The civilization of Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the oldest civilization of the world. There is much debate regarding the origin of the Tamils. One can not rule out the theory of the invasion of the Aryans. It is generally believed that it is due to the Aryans that the Dravidians had to stay back in the far south.
During the 1st to the 4th century, the early Cholas ruled the lands of Tamil Nadu. The first and the most important king of this dynasty was Karikalan. This dynasty was mainly known for their military prowess. The dam named Kallanai over the river Cauvery was constructed with the initiative of the king Karikalan. The Chola Dynasty occupies a major part in the History of Ancient Tamil Nadu. The kings of the dynasty were also known for constructing the different temples. The Brahadeswarer’s Temple is such a magnificent example of Chola architecture. The Pallava Dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu for near about 400 years starting from the later half of the 4th century. Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman were the greatest rulers among the Pallavas. Thus the Ancient Tamil Nadu has the marks of glorious history.
Medieval Tamil Nadu:
The History of Tamil Nadu is very rich and boasts of the prowess of the rulers of the different dynasties. The Medieval Tamil Nadu spans the 9th to 14th centuries. The Dravidian Civilization of Tamil Nadu is considered to be one of the oldest civilization of the world. The history of Medieval Tamil Nadu starts with the Cholas regaining their power in the 9th century. It is mainly under Rajaraja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola that the re-establishment of lost power was possible. The Chola rulers defeated the other rising powers like Cheras, Pandyas and the Mahipalas. To celebrate the victory over the Mahipalas of Bihar and Bengal, a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established by Rajendra Chola. The Chola empire spread far and wide with the winning battles. In the 14th century, the power of the Cholas declined gradually. The power was over taken by the Pandyas. But soon they were over powered by the Muslim invaders. This invasion of 1316 completely destroyed the power of the Cholas and Pandyas of South India.
As a reaction to the Muslim invasion, the Hindus took the initiative of building Vijaynagara empire. The empire also assembled the remaining Chola rulers as well to confront the Muslims. The capital of Vijaynagara empire was Hampi. It occupies an important and prosperous place in the Medieval Tamil Nadu. This Hindu empire couldnot survive for long as it has to surrender in the hands of the Sultans of the Deccan in the Battle of Talikota. The fragmented Vijaynagara empire was later ruled by the Nayaks. The History of Medieval Tamil Nadu prospered under the Nayakas of the South. Their rule proved to be a very peaceful one, compared to the prior periods of turmoil in the Medieval Tamil Nadu.
Modern Tamil Nadu:
The history of Tamil Nadu is enriched by the prowess and deeds of the rulers of different dynasties in the earlier periods. The Modern Tamil Nadu has an equally glorious history to share with the rest of the world. The southern most state of India, Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian culture is one of the oldest of the world.The rise of the British regime in Tamil Nadu marks the advent of the Modern Tamil Nadu. They established their settlement in the southern India. The British settlers grew strong under the East India Company. They took the advantage of the conflicts and quarrels among the existing rulers in South India. During the same time, other European powers tried to establish their power in South India as well.
The Dutch settlement was formed in India along with the French colonies. But the British power emerged more powerful, as they defeated the French army and completely drove out the Dutch power from South India. Gradually the British power consolidated their firm hold in the Southern Indian states including Tamil Nadu. Modern Tamil Nadu is also marked by the nationalistic movement. The anti-colonial feeling against the British started of these movements in the 18th century. In this state the movement was carried under the chieftains of Shivgana and Tirunelveli. After India gained independence in 1947, the state of Madras was renamed as Tamil Nadu in the year 1968. The History of Modern Tamil Nadu is fascinating and records the bravery of the sepoys fighting against the British hegemony. The capital city Madras was renamed Chennai in 1996.