The history and culture of
Tamilnadu goes back to
thousands years back. For
centuries, people of
various religions have
been residing in the state.
The main religions in
Tamilnadu are Hinduism,
Islam, Christianity and
Jainism. Hinduism, along
with its various sects, is
the oldest religion in the
state. Hindus are followers
of number of sectarian
monastic institutions
(called mathas). The most
important Math of the
state is the Shankara Math
at Kumbakonam. The
Hindus number most and
are scattered in almost all
parts of the state. In
Tamilnadu, there is an
established caste system,
which is more
pronounced than many
other parts of the country.
Like most parts of India,
the Brahmin community
in Tamilnadu is very
pious. Besides Hinduism,
other important religions
that are practiced in the
state are Christianity,
Islam and Jainism. The
history of Christianity and
Islam is also very old in
Tamil Nadu. The largest
concentration of Christians
is in Tirunelveli and
Kanniyakumari districts of
the state. The followers of
Jain religion are confined
to North and South Arcot
and Chennai city.
