Tamil Nadu , formerly Madras, State, southeastern India. Area: 50,216 sq mi (130,058 sq km). Population: (2011) 72,138,958. Capital: Chennai. Its Indian Ocean coastline includes the enclaves of Puducherry and Karaikal (both parts of Puducherry union territory); it is also bordered by Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh states. Its interior includes the fertile Kaveri River delta. By the 4th century ce the region was occupied by Tamil kingdoms. The Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar ruled the southern regions from the mid-14th to the mid-16th century. The British established a settlement in Madras (present-day Chennai) in the 17th century. The settlement expanded to become the presidency of Madras, which lasted from 1653 to 1946. The state of Tamil Nadu was formed in 1956. It is one of India’s most-industrialized states, manufacturing vehicles, electrical equipment, and chemicals.
