- Cholas: The Chola dynasty, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in Tamil Nadu, flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries CE. They were known for their naval and military prowess.
- Pandyas: The Pandya dynasty ruled over the southern parts of Tamil Nadu. They were known for their patronage of literature and their contributions to temple architecture.
- Cheras: The Chera dynasty, centered in Kerala, also had influence in Tamil Nadu. They were involved in trade and commerce with other kingdoms.
- Sangam Age: The Sangam period, dating back to around 300 BCE to 300 CE, was characterized by the flourishing of Tamil literature and poetry.
- Pallavas: The Pallava dynasty, which ruled from the 3rd to 9th centuries CE, was known for its architectural marvels, including rock-cut temples like Mahabalipuram.
- Pallava Art and Architecture: Pallava rulers contributed significantly to the development of Dravidian temple architecture, particularly the creation of monolithic temples and intricate sculptures.
- Mahendravarman I: Mahendravarman I was a notable Pallava king known for his patronage of the arts and for authoring the play "Mattavilasa Prahasana."
- Chalukyas: The Chalukya dynasty, originally from Karnataka, extended its rule over parts of Tamil Nadu. The Badami Chalukyas and the later Chalukyas of Kalyani were significant.
- Rashtrakutas: The Rashtrakuta dynasty had a brief presence in Tamil Nadu during the 9th century CE.
- Vijayanagara Empire: The Vijayanagara Empire, centered in Hampi, extended its influence into Tamil Nadu and contributed to the region's art and culture.
- Nayakas of Madurai: The Nayakas ruled over Madurai and surrounding regions during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were known for their patronage of the arts and temple architecture.
- Marathas: The Marathas established their rule in the Tamil Nadu region during the 18th century, mainly in Thanjavur and other areas.
- British Colonial Period: Tamil Nadu, along with the rest of India, came under British colonial rule during the 19th century.
- Justice Party: The Justice Party, founded in Tamil Nadu in the early 20th century, represented non-Brahmin communities and played a crucial role in social and political reform.
- Dravidian Movement: The Dravidian movement, led by figures like E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) and C.N. Annadurai, advocated for Dravidian identity and social justice.
- Independence Movement: Tamil Nadu played a significant role in India's struggle for independence, with leaders like C. Rajagopalachari and S. Satyamurthy participating actively.
- Madras Presidency: Tamil Nadu was formerly known as the Madras Presidency during British rule.
- Tamil Language: Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world, and its preservation and promotion have been a focal point of Tamil Nadu's cultural identity.
- Tamil Nadu Assembly: The state has a unicameral legislature with a legislative assembly. It plays a crucial role in state governance.
- Carnatic Music: Tamil Nadu is renowned for its classical music tradition known as Carnatic music, with famous composers like Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar hailing from the region.
- Bharatanatyam: Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, originated in Tamil Nadu and continues to be a prominent part of the state's cultural heritage.
- Tamil Cinema: Tamil Nadu is a hub of the Indian film industry, producing numerous films in the Tamil language. Chennai is often referred to as the "Kollywood" film capital.
- Kaveri River Dispute: Tamil Nadu has been involved in disputes over water-sharing with neighboring states, particularly Karnataka, regarding the Kaveri River.
- Jallikattu: Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu, which has faced both support and opposition due to concerns over animal welfare.
- Modern Politics: Tamil Nadu has a vibrant political landscape, with several prominent political parties and leaders shaping the state's policies and governance.
These 25 points provide a glimpse into the history, culture, and political evolution of Tamil Nadu through the various dynasties and historical periods that have left their mark on the region.