How Tamil Nadu Got Its Name?

Tamil Nadu is a state in the Southern part of India. It was earlier called the Madras State till 1969. This name was carried on from the British times. The change to Tamil Nadu was the result of a long social and political movement. In this article, we will explore how Tamil Nadu got its name and the events that brought about the change and leaders behind the movement.

The naming of the state of Tamil Nadu took place on 14th January 1969. The change happened after years of protests and a 76-day fast by activist Sankaralinganar. Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai spearheaded the legal proceedings for the change of name of Madras State to Tamil Nadu, or the "Land of the Tamils.

What was Tamil Nadu called before 1969?

During British rule, Madras Presidency covered a large area. A Presidency was a large administrative unit used by the British. Madras Presidency included present day Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

Madras Presidency was renamed as Madras State in 1947 after the Independence of India. In 1956, the States Reorganisation Act was passed. This law was based on the language people spoke and divided Indian states, and led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh for the Telugu-speaking people. 

The boundaries were redrawn, and the name of “Madras State” was retained for the Tamil-speaking people.

Who was Sankaralinganar and why did he fast?

There was a feeling among many people that the name 'Madras' was not a true reflection of the Tamil culture. Thiyagi Sankaralinganar was among them. He was a Gandhian activist who desired a change in the name of Madras state to Tamil Nadu.

To bring about this change, he started a hunger strike. He had 12 demands for the government with the primary being the change of name of the state to Tamil Nadu. He fasted for 76 days and ultimately died in October 1956. 

His sacrifice generated a huge uproar and support for the cause. Residents around the state started calling for the change in name.  

How did C.N. Annadurai finalize the name change?

The turning point came in 1967. DMK party emerged victorious in the state assembly elections. C.N. Annadurai was appointed the Chief Minister. He was a staunch supporter of Tamil identity.

Annadurai presented a resolution in the State Assembly on 18th July 1967. He suggested that the name of Madras state should be changed to Tamil Nadu. The resolution was adopted unanimously. The change was later ratified by the central government in Delhi by the name of Madras State (Alteration of Name) Act.

What was the official date of the name change?

The Madras State was officially renamed Tamil Nadu on January 14, 1969. This day coincided with the day of Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival. The change was announced by C.N. Annadurai in a grand ceremony. He shouted "Tamil Nadu" thrice and the people responded by cheering loudly.

What does Tamil Nadu mean?

The word "Tamil Nadu" is derived from two words. The word "Tamil" is used for both the language and the native people. "Nadu" means land or country in the Tamil language. Thus its literal meaning is the land of the Tamil people.

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