A SHORT HISTORY OF TAMIL NADU

 

The region of Tamil Nadu has human presence since Palaeolithic age (Sharma D. , 2018). Many stone tools of Palaeolithic, Microlithic, Neolithic ages are being found in various regions of the state (Valayapathy, 2015). The region is also known for a specific kind of stone burials during the iron age called as megalithic culture which flourished around c 1000 BC till start of Christian era (Brubaker, 2000-2001, p. 255). The people of ancient Tamilakam[1] traded with foreigners especially with the people of Mesopotamian civilisation and Egyptian civilisation from around c.4000 BC (Pillai, 2000, p. 52). But continuous trade with foreign countries like Arab, Phoenicia started only around c. 700 BC. Ancient Tamilakam started its trade with the Greeks from c 500 BC (Pillai, 2000, p. 53). Sangam literature (Padmaja & Purushotaman, 2000, pp. 3,4) [2] informs us about the processes of state formation that happened in Tamil society from c 500 BC. One of the Ashokan inscriptions also shows us that during emperor Ashoka’s times the region had relatively strong states namely Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras (Rajan, 2007, p. 1296).

            After the end of Sangam period, Khalabras ruled Tamilnadu. Even though the ethnicity and origin of the khalabhras is still not completely certain, many historians feel they were invaders from Karnataka (Pillai, 2000, pp. 184-186).  The khalabhra period was succeeded by Pallava Period from the late 6^th century AD. Even though Pallavas existed as local kings of Kanchipuram area in Tamil Nadu from 3^rd century AD, they became an empire only in the late 6^th century by ousting the Kalabhras from Tamil Nadu (Pillai, 2000, pp. 189-192). Narasimha Varman I was the most successful ruler of the dynasty (Pillai, 2000, p. 195), who along with his father is credited for building the rock cut structures in Mahabalipuram. During the Pallava period, art and architecture flourished in south India. They were considered as great temple builders (Basham, 1959, p. 74) and they credited themselves with building temples without using timber or lime or brick or metal for the first time in the region (Mate, 1970, p. 108).  The monolithic rock cut shore temple in Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by NarasimhaVarman II are architectural marvels (Thapar, 2002, p. 331).

            The Pallava empire continued its supremacy till the end of 7^th century AD without much hinderance. The Pandyas of Madurai, Cheras of Kerala and Cholas of Uraiyur existed with much lesser prominence. After the period of Narasimhavarman II, the struggle for supremacy started between Pallavas and Pandyas. The next two centuries saw intense conflict between the two sides with Pandyan kings like Maravarman Rajasimhan I (735 AD to 765 AD) and Varguna I (765 to 815) (Mahajan V. , 2016, p. 570) stamping their authority during their times against the Pallavas. (Pillai, 2000, pp. 208-209). All these events led to the rise of imperial Cholas in 10^th century AD.

            The rise of Imperial cholas could be attributed to Vijayalaya Chola who captured Tanjore (Pillai, 2000, p. 249) and his son Aditya I, who killed the last Pallava king Aparajita Varman in a battle at the end of 9^th century AD (Mahajan V. , 2016, p. 545). The chola empire reached its zenith under the reign of Rajaraja, the great and his son Rajendra chola (Basham, 1959, p. 75). At the peak of his power, Rajaraja Chola (985 AD to 1014 AD) empire’s boundaries started from the south of river Tungabadra and extended till the north of Sri Lanka including Maldives (Mahajan V. , 2016, p. 547).. He built the famous Rajarajeswara temple at Tanjore which is known for its architectural greatness (Thapar, 2002, p. 386). His son Rajendra Chola was a great warrior. He went on an expedition till the banks of Ganges and conquered all the states on his way and brought the holy water back to Chola capital. He controlled the trade with west Asia, China and southeast Asia and in the process captured Srivijaya empire, which corresponds to modern day Sumatra islands of Indonesia and Malay peninsula, to ascertain Chola empire’s suzerainty over Indian ocean and Bay of Bengal region (Thapar, 2002, p. 365). The Great chola empire was demolished slowly by its own internal conflicts (Aiyangar, 1991, p. 38) and continuous Pandiyan expeditions. The final blow to the Chola kingdom was given by Maravarma Kulasekhara Pandyan in 1279 AD when he completely annexed Chola kingdom to his Empire (Pillai, 2000, p. 384).  But the Pandyan control did not last long as Malik kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji plundered Madurai in 1311 AD (Pillai, 2000, p. 386). He continued his expedition till Rameshwaram and destroyed the Pandyan administrative fabric (Ray, 1957, p. 195). Later around 1323 AD general Ulugh khan[3] conquers Madurai and annexes it to Delhi Sultanate (Pillai, 2000, p. 390). The general of Madurai announced independence from Delhi sultanate in 1335AD and founded the ‘Sultanate of Madurai’. The rule of Madurai Sultans continued till 1365 and between 1365 to 1370 Kumara Kampanna, son of Vijayanagara King Bukka I dethrones Madurai sultan and brings forth Vijayanagara rule in the region (Pillai, 2000, pp. 390-392). 

            The disintegration of Pandyan and Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu resulted in the fragmentation of the states of Tamilnadu. Many small independent sovereign states started to emerge in the region. At the same time, rulers of Vijayanagar controlled Madurai and few other parts of Tamilnadu. It should be noted here that, even the Later Pandyas after losing their Madurai seat (Pillai, 2000, p. 400)[4], started to rule from down south in and around Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram region. Many small independent monarchs started to assert their sovereignty. Even though Vijaya nagara rulers, especially Krishnadevaraya (1509 AD to 1529 AD) and his brother Achyuta Deva Raya (1529 AD to 1542AD) annexed whole of Tamilnadu and instituted Polygar system, the Polygars became relatively independent by the end of 16^th Century (Pillai, 2000, pp. 394-402). From 17^th century, various Nayaks and other independent Monarchs started to show their presence felt in Tamil Nadu political scene. The famous Nayak of the Madurai was Thirumalai Nayak (1625 AD to 1659 AD). He was a very good political diplomat and waged various wars against other poligars and Travancore state, and was successful most of the times. He also contributed to the development of art and architecture in the region (Pillai, 2000, pp. 406-407). Tanjore, the yesteryear seat of Cholas, on the other side was ruled by Nayaks from 16^th century. But with the sudden turn of political events Marathas came to power in Tanjore in 1676AD (Pillai, 2000, p. 410). 

            In the meantime, Europeans entered India and regions surrounding modern day Tamil Nadu for trading purposes at the end of 15^th Century. Portuguese enters Calicut in 1498 AD and established their colonies in modern day Kerala. They founded a Christian mission in Madurai in 1592 AD and started their missionary works in the state (Pillai, 2000, pp. 454-455). Dutch entered Pulicat[5] in 1610 (Markovits, 2004, p. 556) and Danish entered Tranquebar in 1620 (Ferguson, 1898, p. 627) and started their trading activities in the region. Similarly, British sets up a small trading establishment in Armagaon, a place 35 kms north of Pulicat, to trade in the regions of Northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra in 1620’s (Narasiah, 2008, p. 27). Later they founded the city of Madras in 1639 by buying some villages from Damarla Venkatapati Nayak (Narasiah, 2008, pp. 28-30).. Around 1674, French also established their powers in Pondicherry.

            Even though Europeans entered India, they were predominantly engaged in trade and related activities. The strong Mughal dynasty at Northern India and vibrant Maratha powers in west coast subdued the colonial ambitions of European powers for that moment. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb made Zulfiqar Ali Khan, the son of his prime minister Asad Khan as the first Nawab of Carnatic[6] in 1690 AD (Anvar, 2008, p. 121).  The Nawab invaded Madurai and Tanjore and exacted contributions from Rani Mangamal the Nayak queen of Madurai (1689 AD to 1706 AD), and King Shahaji, the Maratha king of Tanjore (Rajaiyyan, 1970, p. 222). The disintegration of Mughal empire after the death of Aurangzeb led to decline of the powers of Carnatic. Tamil Nadu witnessed endless battles in eighteenth century among the Nawab of Carnatic, Marathas, Nayaks, Mysore Kingdom etc. All these political developments made the situation ripe for British to colonise these regions. Victories in the three Carnatic wars and wars with Hyder Ali and Tipusultan gave British the complete control over the South Indian territories at the end of 18^th Century. Many Polygars like VeeraPandiya Kattabomman, Marudhu Sagothirargal, Oomai Durai rised against the British imperialism and fought for independence. All were executed by the British. But the spirit for independence re-emerged through the Vellore sepoy mutiny in 1806 (Pillai, 2000, pp. 454-477). Everyone was suppressed and from then on British ruled the state relatively peacefully till the start of Indian independence movement in 20^th century.

            Tamil Nadu saw two independent movements at the end of nineteenth century. One was Indian freedom movement and other was non-brahmin movement. The freedom movement was led by the Indian National Congress and the Non-Brahmin movement was led by Justice party. Justice party[7] which was started on 1916[8] to carry out the upliftment of Non-Brahmins started to take part in provincial elections after Montagu-Chelmsford reforms of 1918 and passing of GOI act of 1919 (Thirunavukarasu K. , 2019, p. 57). 

            At the same time, the Indian independence movement was led by Congress party and its members. During Swadeshi movement when Congress leaders asked the public to use swadeshi products, V O Chidambaram Pillai, a lawyer from Tuticorin started a swadeshi steam navigation company in 1906. Similarly, many independent thinkers and poets like Bharatiyar, Subramaniam siva, VVS Iyer also contributed to the struggle for Indian independence (Perumal & Thandavan, 1985, p. 423). Extremists like Vanchinathan (Jayapalan, 2001, p. 67) also took part in the freedom movement through their militant ways[9]. After the coming of Mahatma Gandhi, Tamil Nadu congress led by Rajaji remained loyal to all the policies framed by the national leaders of the party and Mahatma Gandhi. Meantime, non-brahmin movement started to make deep impact in Tamil society with the advent of EV Ramaswamy, commonly called as ‘Thanthai Periyar’. He started Self-respect movement in 1925 and gave a rationalistic, atheistic colour to the movement (Vasanthan, 1999, pp. 5-8). He proclaimed anti-Brahminism and negating their ideals as the chief tools to attain Dravidian upliftment. He travelled all over the world, gave ferocious speeches against Hindu belief system and towards following rationalism in public life. He questioned all the superstitions in Indian culture and asked his followers to analyse them with a rationalist mind and then accept it. He became the president of Justice party in 1938[10], merged Justice party with his movement, renamed it as Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944 and took a resolution to abstain from electoral politics (Maraimalaiyaan, 2021). Dravidar Kazhagam demanded a separate home land for Dravidians called “Dravida Nadu” from the British. Periyar organised many anti-Hindi  agitations in Tamilnadu against Hindi imposition by Indian National congress. All these political positions of Periyar made him the most popular leader among the Tamils.

            After independence and after the first election of Indian republic, the Indian National Congress formed the first ministry under the leadership of Rajaji in Tamil Nadu. The Congress rule in Tamil Nadu continued till 1967 under the leadership of Rajaji, K.Kamaraj and Bakthavatchalam. In 1967 elections, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a party founded in 1949 by CN Annadurai after coming out of Dravidar Kazhagam, came to power and C.N.Annadurai assumed office of the Chief Minister. Soon after the demise of Anna , the chief ministership went to Kalaignar Karunanithi which he continued till 1977 AD. In 1977 elections M G Ramachandran, the reigning super star of Tamil cinema and an ex-member of DMK, contested the elections under his own new party called Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. MGR died in 1987 and after a short period of political turmoil in the state, J.Jayalalitha, a famous actress of Tamil cinema and a prominent member of ADMK under MGR’s leadership became the chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1991 (Muthukumar, 2011, p. 65). After that election, both the Dravidian parties namely DMK and ADMK alternatively came to power till 2011[11].  In 2016 elections ADMK made history by coming to power for a successive term. Its leader Jayalalitha became the chief Minister of the state. But within a year of becoming CM, she died unexpectedly on December 2016 (Majumder, 2016). Following her, DMK supremo Kalaignar also died on August 2018 (India Today, 2018). After the death of Jayalalitha and after few political dramas, Edapadi K Palaniswamy became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on February 2017 (Rao, 2019).  In the subsequent general elections held to the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu in 2021, DMK party won majority seats and MK Stalin, son of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi assumed the office of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Mariappan, 2021).

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[1] Ancient tamilakam consists of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Before roughly 800AD Tamil was the language of the people of kerala or chera country.

[2] The ancient literature of Tamil language which was compiled in Third sangam held by Pandyan king is known as Sangam literature. The literature speaks about various aspects of Tamil society. Today 2381 poems written by more than 1000 poets are available. The period of sangam is still debatable. Some people say it is from c 600 BC to c 100 AD and others date it little later.

[3] This Ulugh Khan later takes Delhi throne in the name of Muhammed Bin Tuqlaq

[4] The famous one of the Later Pandyas was Jatavarma Parakrama Pandyan (1422 AD – 1463 AD).

[5] It is modern day pazhavercadu, a sea shore in the district of Thiruvallur, near Chennai.

[6] The capital of Carnatic was Gingee and later it was changed to Arcot around 1715 AD

[7] Officially called as South Indian liberation federation. It started a daily called as Justice and hence was commonly called as ‘Justice Party’.

[8] Started on November 20, 1916

[9] In 1911 district Magistrate Ashe of Tirunelveli was shot dead by Vanchinathan at Maniachi.

[10] He became the president of Justice party in 29^th December 1938, when he was Bellari jail, Andhra.

[11] In 1991 ADMK won, 1996 DMK won, 2001 ADMK won, 2006 DMK won and in 2011 ADMK won.

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