Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu Unveils 2026–2027 Tourism and Culture Policy
Tamil Nadu has announced a plan for tourism, museums, archaeology and traditional arts for 2026–2027.
The plan says archaeologists found evidence that people in the region used iron thousands of years ago.
It also says people were writing in Tamil about 2,700 years ago.
Scientists and archaeologists are continuing digs at eight important sites.
The state is building museums so people can learn about these discoveries.
More museum collections and old manuscripts will be put online.
Music and fine arts schools will continue offering subsidised training and stipends.
The plan also provides help and opportunities for children and folk artistes.
Minister Rajmohan presented Tamil Nadu’s 2026–2027 policy note for tourism, culture and special initiatives.
Archaeological evidence cited in the note dates Tamil iron technology to 3345 BCE and literacy to 2,700 years ago.
Eight excavations are under way, including the 11th season at Keeladi and projects at seven other sites.
New and planned museums include facilities at Porunai, Gangaikondacholapuram, Ramanathapuram, Erode, Thanjavur, Mamallapuram and Tiruvannamalai.
Art training, digitisation, youth programmes and welfare support are being expanded for students and traditional artistes.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan presented the policy note, covering initiatives by the state’s tourism, culture, art and archaeology institutions.
- What
- The government released its 2026–2027 policy note for tourism, culture and special initiatives.
- When
- The policy note was released Wednesday for 2026–2027.
- Where
- The initiatives cover Tamil Nadu, including archaeological sites, museums, colleges and cultural centres across the state.
- Why
- The plan aims to research and display Tamil heritage, expand cultural education, preserve collections and support traditional practitioners.
- Policy period
- 2026–2027
- Iron technology evidence
- AMS dating at Sivagalai was cited as evidence of iron technology dating to 3345 BCE.
- Inscribed potsherds
- More than 1,630 Tamili-inscribed potsherds have been reported across 42 sites.
- Active excavations
- Eight excavations are under way, including Keeladi’s 11th season, Pattanamarudur, Karivalamvanthanallur, Nagapattinam, Manikkollai, Adichanur, Vellalur and Telunganur.
- Keeladi visitors
- The Keeladi museum and open-air site museum have attracted more than 11 lakh visitors combined.
- Porunai Museum
- The Tirunelveli museum was built at a cost of Rs. 56.36 crore and has attracted more than 3.15 lakh visitors.
- Folk artistes’ welfare
- The Tamil Nadu Folk Artistes Welfare Board has 61,097 registered artistes and distributed Rs. 304.14 lakh to 11,007 beneficiaries.