Tamil Nadu - Background
The history and culture of Tamilnadu goes back to thousands years back. For centuries, people of various religions have been residing in the state. The main religions in Tamilnadu are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Hinduism, along with its various sects, is the oldest religion in the state. Hindus are followers of number of sectarian monastic institutions (called mathas). The most important Math of the state is the Shankara Math at Kumbakonam. The Hindus number most and are scattered in almost all parts of the state. In Tamilnadu, there is an established caste system, which is more pronounced than many other parts of the country. Like most parts of India, the Brahmin community in Tamilnadu is very pious.
Besides Hinduism, other important religions that are practiced in the state are Christianity, Islam and Jainism. The history of Christianity and Islam is also very old in Tamil Nadu. The largest concentration of Christians is in Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts of the state. The followers of Jain religion are confined to North and South Arcot and Chennai city.
The dynasties which ruled ancient Tamil Nadu have left behind a rich heritage of art, architecture and culture. Prominent among them are the Cholas who built the Grand Anicut across the Cauvery river in the 2nd century AD, a work that is even today considered an engineering marvel. Poompuhar, a port of the Chola empire, built over 2000 years ago points to bustling trade links with South East Asian kingdoms. The Pallavas, who ruled between the 6th and 8th century AD with Kancheepuram as their headquarters, gave expression to art and architecture through their magnificent temples and temple carvings. The Pandyas of Madurai and the later Cholas also left behind impressive monuments, particularly temples with intricate Gopuras and carvings. The temples were not only places of worship but also served as centres of learning. Subsequent inroads from the North by the Vijayanagar kings further enriched the architectural scene.
Tamil Nadu also has a rich cultural heritage in other areas. Dance forms such as Bharathanatyam and various forms of music including Carnatic music have flourished here for centuries. Handicrafts include intricately carved designs in wood, stone and metal. The exquisitely carved bronze and Tanjore plates deserve special mention here. Modern day social reformers and freedom fighters such as Subramanya Bharathi, V.V. Subramania Iyer, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker also left their indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu.
Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated by the farmers in January to worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as thanks giving for a bounteous harvest. Pongal festival is followed by the Jallikattu-Bull fight, in some parts of southern Tamil Nadu. Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu is internationally famous for Jallikattu - Bull fight. Chithirai festival, Madurai brings a spectacular re-enactment of the marriage of the Pandiyan princess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar.
Adipperukku is a festival celebrated on the 18th day of Tamil month, Adi, on the banks of rivers. It marks the commencement of new farming operations. Dance Festival, Mamallapuram, which is set before an open air stage, created 13 centuries ago the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram. Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Odissi are some dance forms presented by the very best exponents of the art besides folk dances. At the Natyanjali Dance Festival, the temple city of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja the 'Cosmic Dancer'.
Mahamagam Festival is a holy festival that brings pilgrims to Kumbakonam once in 12 years - the temple city that gets its name from Kumbha - the divine pot. The summer festival is held every year in the 'Queen of Hill Stations', the evergreen Ooty, the exquisite Kodaikkanal or the salubrious heights of Yercaud. Kanthuri Festival is a truly secular festival, where devotees flock to the shrine of saint Quadirwali.
The Navarathiri Festival, literally means the festival of 'nine nights', taking unique and different forms in different states of India, all to propitiate the goddess Sakthi, for power, wealth and knowledge. Rows of glittering earthen lamps outside every home and joyous burst of fire crackers mark Tamil Nadu's Festival of lights, Karthigai Deepam. In December, Chennai celebrates her priceless heritage of carnatic music and dance at its Music Festival to present a galaxy of star artistes, old and new.
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