Annamalai

Annamalai is a Tamil name that appears in several contexts in Tamil Nadu, India. It is associated with a hill region, a major public university, and it is used as a surname in Tamil communities. The name carries cultural and educational associations in southern India.

Annamalai University is a public state university located in Annamalai Nagar, near Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1929 with funding from Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar and named in his honor. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across arts, sciences, engineering, and management, and includes a large distance education division. It is recognized by the University Grants Commission and operates numerous affiliated colleges and institutes.

Geographically, Annamalai also refers to a hill region in Tamil Nadu. The Annamalai Hills form part of the state's eastern mountainous landscape and are noted for their natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural sites linked to Hindu temples in the region. The term is commonly encountered in local geography and temple towncontexts, reflecting the area's prominence in Tamil culture.

As a surname, Annamalai is borne by Tamil families and individuals. A notable figure associated with the name is Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, a prominent philanthropist and industrialist whose contributions helped establish Annamalai University and support higher education and public works in the early 20th century.

In summary, Annamalai denotes a geographic feature, an important educational institution, and a family name with historical significance in Tamil Nadu.