A one‑of‑a‑kind institution dedicated to the preservation, research, and advancement of the Tamil language and its profound cultural legacy. Established as the world's first university for a living language, it stands as a global beacon for Tamil scholarship, heritage, and interdisciplinary research.
Tamil University is a public state university located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established on 15th September 1981 under the Tamil University Act No.9 of 1982. The idea of creating a separate university for the Tamil language was first mooted as early as 1925, but it took concrete shape under the leadership of the then Chief Minister, Dr. M.G. Ramachandran. He announced its establishment at the Fifth World Tamil Conference held in Madurai in 1981.
The university is enshrined with the motto "Ulluvathellam Uyarvullal," which means "Whatever you think, think it in a big way". Spread across a sprawling campus of about 900 acres (3.6 km²), it is the largest university in the state by area. Its administrative block, featuring a distinctive gopuram motif, and its library, reminiscent of the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, are iconic landmarks.
Initially conceived as a unitary research university with no affiliated colleges, it has evolved to offer a diverse range of academic programmes. The university focuses on higher research in Tamil language, literature, and culture, while also offering M.Phil., Ph.D., postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses. Its objective is to serve as a cultural causeway between Tamil Nadu and the global Tamil diaspora.
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University Type
State University
Location
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Academic Focus
Tamil Language, Literature & Culture
Legacy
Since 1981 – First University for a Living Language
Tamil Language & Literature
Classical, Modern & Comparative Literature
Linguistics & Translation
Grammar, Lexicography & Translation Studies
Music & Fine Arts
Classical Music, Drama & Sculpture
History & Archaeology
Epigraphy, Maritime History & Heritage
Philosophy & Culture
Religion, Temple Studies & Ethics
Siddha Medicine & Ancient Science
Traditional Medicine & Indigenous Knowledge
Computer Science & Language Tech
Machine Translation & Tamil Computing
M.Phil. & Ph.D. Programmes
Advanced Research in All Disciplines
Diploma & PG Diploma
Specialised Vocational & Professional Diplomas
Certificate Courses
Skill‑Based & Short‑Term Programmes
Distance Education
Flexible UG, PG & Diploma Programmes
Folklore & Tribal Studies
Oral Traditions & Indigenous Culture
Tamil University is uniquely structured to promote high-level research and advanced study in Tamil language and its allied branches. Its faculties and departments are dedicated to exploring the linguistic, literary, artistic, and scientific heritage of the Tamil civilization.
Disclaimer: The faculties, departments, and research centres listed below are representative and subject to periodic updates. For the most accurate and current information, please refer to the official Tamil University website .
| S.No. | Faculty / Department / Centre | Primary Focus | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Faculty of Arts | Humanities, Culture & Performing Arts | Academic Faculty |
| 02 | Faculty of Language | Linguistics, Literature & Translation | Academic Faculty |
| 03 | Faculty of Science | Earth Sciences, Ancient Science & Siddha | Academic Faculty |
| 04 | School of Philosophy | Religion, Temple Studies & Ethics | Academic School |
| 05 | Department of Literature | Cankam Classics & Devotional Literature | Academic Department |
| 06 | Department of Linguistics | Grammar, Lexicography & Phonetics | Academic Department |
| 07 | Department of Epigraphy & Archaeology | Inscriptions, Heritage & Field Research | Academic Department |
| 08 | Department of Maritime History & Marine Archaeology | Indian Ocean Studies & Coastal Heritage | Academic Department |
| 09 | Department of Music | Classical Music & Performing Arts | Academic Department |
| 10 | Department of Sculpture | Visual Arts & Temple Architecture | Academic Department |
| 11 | Department of Siddha Medicine | Traditional Medicine & Holistic Health | Academic Department |
| 12 | Department of Ancient Science | Astronomy, Navigation & Engineering | Academic Department |
| 13 | Department of Industries & Earth Sciences | Mineral Resources & Environmental Studies | Academic Department |
| 14 | Department of Computer Science | Machine Translation & Tamil Computing | Academic Department |
| 15 | Department of Folklore | Oral Traditions & Tribal Culture | Academic Department |
| 16 | School of Indian Languages | Comparative Dravidian Linguistics | Academic School |
| 17 | Centre for Indian Ocean Studies | Historical & Cultural Research on the Indian Ocean | Research Centre |
| 18 | Centre for Research on Tamil Culture | Epigraphy, Folklore & Heritage | Research Centre |
| 19 | Tribal Research Centre | Indigenous Communities & Livelihoods | Research Centre |
| 20 | Directorate of Distance Education | Flexible Learning & Online Programmes | Academic Unit |
| 21 | Central Library | Palm‑Leaf Manuscripts & Digital Archives | Learning Resource |
| 22 | Karikalan Gallery | Cultural Events & Conferences (2000 Capacity) | Student Facility |
| 23 | Career Guidance & Placement Cell | Academia, Research & Cultural Institutions | Student Support |
| 24 | Student Counselling & Welfare Centre | Mental Health & Personal Development | Support Cell |
| 25 | NSS & NCC Units | Community Service & Youth Leadership | Student Activity |
| 26 | Sports & Physical Education Department | Fitness, Games & Recreation | Student Facility |
| 27 | Examination & Evaluation Wing | Academic Assessment & Standards | Administrative Unit |
| 28 | Faculty Development & Research Training Centre | Research Methodology & Pedagogy | Academic Support |
| 29 | Publication Division | Encyclopedias, Lexicons & Academic Journals | Academic Support |
| 30 | Alumni Relations & Networking Office | Alumni Engagement & Global Diaspora Connect | Alumni Support |
World's First University for a Living Language
Tamil University is a global pioneer, established to conduct high-level research in Tamilology and allied branches of knowledge.
Unparalleled Research in Heritage & Culture
From epigraphy and archaeology to music and Siddha medicine, the university offers unique research opportunities in Tamil civilization's vast intellectual traditions.
Expansive & Serene Campus
Spread across 900 acres in the cultural heartland of Thanjavur, the campus is the largest in the state and provides a tranquil environment for focused study and research.
Cultural Causeway for the Tamil Diaspora
The university serves as a vital link between Tamil Nadu and the global Tamil community, fostering a deep connection to language and heritage.
Multidisciplinary & Interdisciplinary Approach
By integrating humanities, sciences, and technology, the university promotes holistic research and innovative scholarship in Tamil studies.
Located in the Epitome of Art & Culture
Thanjavur, renowned for its magnificent temples and rich history, provides an inspiring and authentic backdrop for the study of Tamil culture.
Follow these steps to begin your academic journey at Tamil University.
Note: Admissions are based on merit and/or entrance examinations as per university regulations. Candidates are advised to check the official website for programme‑specific eligibility, application timelines, and counselling procedures.
01
Discover the diverse range of research, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes offered by the university's various faculties.
02
Fill out the application form online or offline with accurate academic records, personal details, and required documents.
03
Depending on the course, selection may be based on merit, entrance test scores, or a personal interview.
04
Present original certificates, mark sheets, transfer certificates, and identity proofs for formal verification.
05
Pay the programme fees within the stipulated deadline to secure your seat and complete enrolment.
06
Attend orientation, receive your student credentials, and immerse yourself in the vibrant academic and cultural life at Tamil University.
Be a custodian of the Tamil legacy at Tamil University.