Tamil Nadu, the land
of the original Dravidian legacy is among t he most satisfying spectacles
in India. Although there is much evidence of stone and iron age settlements,
Tamil Nadu's cultural identify has been shaped by the Dravidians,
who had inhabited the south since the 4th millennium BC. In the over
2000 years of continuous culture history, Tamil Nadu developed one
of the most remarkable temple architecture in India. Three seas meet
at the Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) where gorgeous sunrises and sunsets
are a daily spectacle.
Its numerous ancient temples with their characteristic
gateway towers (gopurams), hundred - or thousand - pillared pavilions
and corridors, their spectacular array of sculptures, bronze images
and stucco embellishment; its woodcraft and textile creativity; and
the sublimity of its performing arts of dance, music and drama, all
form an integral and living part of the Tamil people's life to this
day. Tamil Nadu, whose cultural beauty stems from the fact that it
has remained largely untouched by the various influences that have
routed India through the centuries, is no less rich in natural
beauty. Music, dance and all others art forms are cherished and
nurtured in this state which, through industrialized, continues to
be traditional and conventional.
From traditional vegetarian fare to fast foods,
from nine yard sarees to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple
architecture to modern mhighrise- with Indo Saracenic and Victorian
as stops along the way- from classical Music and dance to discos
throbbing to heady beats, Tamil Nadu has them all and many more vivid
contrasts that are a constant surprises.
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