Tamil?s have a long history starting from the pre-historic period. Retracing their history is facilitated by various sources. One-third of India's epigraphical sources pertain to Tamil? Nad?u and one of the dynasties of Tamil? Nad?u - Pand?yas - had the privilege of continuous rule from third century B.C. to sixteenth century A.D. It is a unique accomplishment in the annals of history, since very few dynasties in the world have reigned for such a long time. A remarkable feature of the Tamils is that they are the founders of the Dravidian architecture. Founded by the Pallavas, the Dravidian architecture got developed under the Chol?as and the Pand?yas. Five of their monuments are declared as UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The expansion of the Chol?a Empire through a powerful navy and the maritime trade carried on with the South East Asian countries led to the spread of the Tamil culture in these regions.In this book, the author has updated the Tamil? Nad?u history with recent findings. As books dealing with Tamil? Nad?u history comprehensively, including all its aspects and new historical evidences, are not available, this endeavour to present all the details in a single book was undertaken. It can be a helpful and illuminative aid to students of UG and PG courses in History and those who prepare for competitive examinations. General readers will be interested in the information given here and they can gain knowledge of the rich tradition and different facets of people and life in Tamil? Nad?u in many ages.Besides political history, the social, economic and religious aspects are dealt with in detail, thereby giving a complete view of the life and growth of people in Tamil? Nad?u. For the better and thorough understanding of details, maps and pictures are given at appropriate places.