10 Questions
Which Indian state is almost as big as Greece and has a population of over 72 million people?
Tamil Nadu
What was the capital of Tamil Nadu known as before it was called Chennai?
Madras
How many world heritage sites are located in Tamil Nadu?
8
Which language is the sole official language of Tamil Nadu?
Tamil
What nickname is given to Chennai due to its association with the automobile industry?
The Motor City of India
Which ancient civilization may have had a much larger sphere of influence than previously thought according to the text?
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley script was used by people living in Tamil Nadu during which era?
The Neolithic Period
What is Chennai's significance in relation to the automobile industry in India?
Chennai is home to one third of India's automobile industry
Which industry contributes significantly to Chennai's economy?
Information Technology
How long has the classical language Tamil been spoken and written as per the text?
Since 500 BC
Study Notes
Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu, formerly known as the state of Madras, is one of the 29 states of India, with a population of over 72 million people.
- It is the second-largest economy in India and one of the most developed states.
History and Habitation
- Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, with human-like populations existing in Tamil Nadu around 300,000 years ago.
- The people of the Neolithic period used the Harappan language and Indus Valley script, indicating that this may have been one of the first civilizations of humanity.
Chennai
- Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
- It is the largest cultural, economic, and educational center of South India, with a population of over 7 million people.
- Chennai is one of the largest cities in the world (36th) and one of the top ten cosmopolitan cities globally.
Economy and Industry
- Chennai is home to one-third of India's automobile industry, earning it the nickname "The Detroit of India."
Language and Literature
- Tamil is the sole official language of Tamil Nadu, spoken by nearly 90% of the people.
- Tamil is one of the longest surviving classical languages, with inscriptions dating back to 500 BC.
- Classical Tamil literature is considered one of the greatest classical traditions and literature of the world.
- Tamil is the oldest living language that has been continuously used to this day.
Test your knowledge about the history, geography, and culture of Tamilnadu, formerly known as Madras. Explore the rich heritage, historic buildings, pilgrimage sites, and economy of this southern state of India.
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