Tamil University, Thanjavur

The Tamil language, in the south of India is known for its antiquity, its richness of vocabulary and its great classical literature. For a long time, its depth, uniqueness and glory were not known to the world outside. The Tamil University was established with the aim of to provide higher research in Tamil Language and advanced study in various other allied branches such as Linguistics, Translation, Lexicography, Music, Drama and Manuscriptology. But this pure research-oriented University introduced academic research by offering M.Phil and Ph.D programmes in 1992 for a few disciplines such as Language, Literature, Translation, Sculpture, History and Architecture. The University is situated in a very large of about 800 acres, generously granted by the State government of Tamil Nadu. Huge buildings and blocks meant for the administrative and academic departments are located in the campus. The administrative block with its imposing structure and a gopuram motif is a sight to see even from the National Highway connecting Thanjavur with Trichinopoly. No less is the magnificence of the University Library, the edifice of which will remind the onlookers of the glorious Indian Parliament at New Delhi. The Karikalan Gallery, built on the occasion of the World Tamil Conference is capable of accommodating about 2000 people.