Madurai Tamil Sangam
▪ Originally known as Senthamil Kalasalai – 4th Tamil Sangam.
▪ Founded as a nationalist initiative by Pandithurai Thevar to promote Tamil language and culture.
▪ He announced it at the Madras session of the Indian National Congress in 1901.
Bharathiyar
▪ 1908 – Bharathiyar published Swadesa Gitangal (Songs of Motherland), stirring patriotic fervour.
▪ He was the editor of the Tamil weekly India.
▪ 1920 – He became an assistant editor at Swadesamitran.
Raja of Panagal’s Temple Administration Reforms
▪ Precursor to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.
▪ 1922: Raja of Panagal, then Chief Minister, proposed legislation to bring temples under state
supervision.
▪ The proposal received approval from Viceroy Lord Irwin.
▪ 1927: Establishment of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Board.
▪ Aimed at regulating temple administration and finances.
Kombu
▪ Kombu is a traditional Tamil wind instrument, shaped like a curved horn, historically used in battles and temple festivals
▪ One of the verses that mention this instrument is found in Thirumurai.
▪ Silappathikaram, written around the 6th Century, also has a mention of the kombu.
▪ The 12th canto in Madurai Kandam of Silappathikaram, also known as Vettuva Vatri, describes a dance being performed to the accompaniment of parai, kulal, and kombu.
Rajendra Chola I : From Eelamandalam to Kadaram
Conquests and Naval Campaigns
▪ Rajendra Chola I ascended the throne in 1012 CE.
▪ He launched a decisive campaign against Sri Lanka in 1017 CE, completing his father Raja Raja Chola I’s mission.
▪ Captured King Mahinda V, seized royal regalia, and made Sri Lanka a Chola province.
▪ His conquest extended Chola authority throughout Polonnaruwa and established Tamil-style temples
Southeast Asian Campaign – Kadaram
▪ In 1025 CE, after the Gangetic campaign, Rajendra launched a naval expedition to Southeast Asia, targeting Srivijaya.
▪ Kadaram (present-day Kedah, Malaysia (Malay Peninsula)) was captured, earning him the title
“Kadaram Kondan”.
▪ Sangrama Vijayottungavarman, Srivijaya’s ruler, was taken prisoner.
▪ No direct rule was established; local rulers were reinstated after acknowledging Chola supremacy.
Chola Naval Strength
▪ Maintained a well-organised navy used for both military and trade.
▪ Campaigns showcased the Cholas’ ability to project power across the Bay of Bengal.
Loss and Reassertion
▪ 1029 CE: Vikkamabahu I, son of Mahinda V, led a successful Sinhalese rebellion, ending Chola control in Sri Lanka.
▪ Rajendra’s successor, Virarajendra I, claimed to have reconquered Kadaram, indicating temporary control.
Diplomacy and Trade
▪ Diplomatic ties with Srivijaya and China were active before and after conflict.
▪ Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam was built with support from Srivijaya’s ruler.
▪ Karandai copper plates mention the King of Kambhoja (Angkor/Khmer Empire) sending a war chariot as a gesture of friendship.
Legacy
▪ The Chola overseas campaigns were bold and unprecedented, extending political and cultural
influence beyond India.
▪ While many gains were temporary, the campaigns left a lasting legacy in cross-cultural engagement and maritime prestige.
Tamil Nadu State Policy for Transgender Persons 2025
▪ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister released the Tamil Nadu State Policy on July 31, 2025.
Aim
▪ To create a safe, inclusive, equal, and just society for transgender and intersex persons.
▪ Recognizes self-identification, ensures bodily autonomy, and seeks to eliminate discrimination and violence
Beneficiaries
▪ Applies to transgender women (Thirunangai), transgender men (Thirunambi), and intersex individuals.
Legal and Administrative Provisions
▪ Legal Recognition and issuance of ID documents.
▪ State will amend inheritance laws (Hindu Succession Act, Indian Succession Act) to guarantee right
to inheritance for transgender and intersex persons.
▪ State to ensure implementation of laws against gender-based violence by family, intimate partners, and others.
▪ All educational institutions must update name and gender in academic records per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Housing and Shelter
▪ Short-stay homes will be facilitated for trans and intersex persons in crisis situations.
▪ Preference in affordable housing schemes and free house site pattas will be given.
Education & Employment
▪ Inclusive access to education.
▪ Skill development and employment opportunities ensured.
Healthcare
▪ Non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare services.
▪ Safe living conditions and focus on mental health.
Justice, Representation, and Support
▪ Guarantees social justice, grievance redressal, and political representation.
▪ Public awareness and sensitization campaigns planned.
Governance & Monitoring
▪ A State-level High-Level Committee (led by Chief Secretary) will meet every 6 months to review progress and make recommendations.
▪ District-level Committees (led by District Collectors) will meet every 3 months for local implementation and monitoring.
‘Nalam Kakkum Stalin’ camps
▪ Launch Date: August 2, 2025, in Chennai.
▪ Objective:
✓ To provide advanced medical services and check-ups to marginalized people, particularly in
underserved areas.
✓ This is an extension of previous health schemes like ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ and ‘Nammai Kaakkum 48.
▪ These camps will be held every Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM in each district.
▪ The initiative is being implemented at a cost of ₹12.78 crores.
▪ A total of 1,256 camps would be organised in all 38 districts of the State.
▪ Beneficiaries include those earlier screened under the Ungaludan Stalin outreach.
Bharatanatyam
▪ It is the traditional dance of Tamil Nadu.
▪ The word “Bharatam” is said to have originated from three words: Bhava, Rasa, and Tala.
▪ The grammatical components of Bharatanatyam were explained by Sage Bharata Muni.
▪ During the medieval period, the dancers who performed this art in temples were called Talicheri Pendugal.
▪ The current form of Bharatanatyam was refined by the Thanjavur brothers, Ponniah Pillai.
