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<keyword id="20154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tamil-Nadu" source="Orion">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, a land of rich culture, history, and natural beauty, beckons travelers with its diverse array of attractions. From ancient <keyword id="56253" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="temples" source="Orion">temples</keyword> to serene hill stations, bustling cities to tranquil beaches, there's something for every kind of traveler in this vibrant state. Here's a detailed guide to <keyword id="20523440" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="10-must-visit-places-in-Tamil-Nadu" source="Orion">10 must-visit places in Tamil Nadu</keyword>: 1. Chennai: The Gateway to Tamil Nadu Chennai, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and bustling markets. Visitors can explore attractions such as Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the colonial-era Fort St. George. 2. Mahabalipuram: UNESCO World Heritage Site Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a coastal town renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of monuments. These ancient rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and intricately carved sculptures showcase the architectural brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. 3. Thanjavur: Cradle of Tamil Culture Thanjavur, often referred to as the cultural <keyword id="20523441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capital-of-Tamil-Nadu" source="Orion">capital of Tamil Nadu</keyword>, is home to the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also explore the Thanjavur Palace, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts. 4. Madurai: The Athens of the East Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a magnificent <keyword id="106938" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindu-temple" source="Orion">Hindu temple</keyword> dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. The city's bustling markets, vibrant festivals, and rich culinary heritage are also major draws for visitors. 5. Kanyakumari: Land's End of India Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Visitors can also explore attractions such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. 6. Ooty: Queen of Hill Stations Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a picturesque hill station known for its lush tea plantations, scenic lakes, and pleasant climate. Travelers can enjoy activities such as boating on Ooty Lake, exploring the Government Botanical Garden, and taking a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 7. Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations Another gem in the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is renowned for its tranquil lakes, misty mountains, and verdant valleys. Visitors can explore attractions such as the serene Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk viewpoint, and the picturesque Pillar Rocks. 8. Rameswaram: Pilgrimage to the Southern Tip Rameswaram, situated on Pamban Island, is a sacred <keyword id="20523442" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pilgrimage-destination-for-Hindus" source="Orion">pilgrimage destination for Hindus</keyword>. The Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the main attraction, known for its impressive corridors and sacred water tanks. The town is also famous for its pristine beaches and historic significance. 9. Chettinad: Heritage and Cuisine Chettinad region, known for its distinctive cuisine and opulent mansions, offers a glimpse into the rich <keyword id="17446227" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cultural-heritage-of-Tamil-Nadu" source="Orion">cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu</keyword>. Visitors can explore the grand Chettinad mansions, sample traditional Chettinad cuisine, and visit local artisan workshops. 10. Yercaud: Serene Retreat in the Eastern Ghats Yercaud, nestled in the Eastern Ghats, is a tranquil hill station known for its scenic beauty and serene ambiance. Travelers can enjoy activities such as boating on Yercaud Lake, exploring the lush coffee plantations, and trekking to viewpoints like Lady's Seat and Pagoda Point. Tamil Nadu is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual significance. Whether you're drawn to ancient temples, scenic hill stations, or pristine beaches, this diverse state offers a multitude of experiences waiting to be explored. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Discover the diversity: 10 must-visit places in Tamil Nadu

As the summer sun paints the landscape with warmth and vitality, it's the perfect time to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery across the diverse terrain of India. From serene hill stations to pristine beaches and cultural wonders, the country offers a myriad of experiences to suit every traveler's taste. If you're wondering where to head this summer, here's a curated list of the top 10 places to visit in India: Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir A land of rugged beauty and surreal landscapes, Leh-Ladakh is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the breathtaking vistas of the Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Magnetic Hill, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this Himalayan region. Manali, Himachal Pradesh Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal range, Manali beckons travelers with its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance. From adventurous treks to leisurely strolls amidst apple orchards, there's something for everyone in this charming hill station. Goa Known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, Goa is the ultimate summer destination for beach lovers. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the pristine shores of Palolem or partying the night away in Baga, Goa offers an unforgettable experience. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Renowned as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and the gateway to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a haven for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Indulge in yoga and meditation retreats, embark on thrilling river rafting expeditions, and explore the tranquil beauty of this sacred town. Darjeeling, West Bengal Perched atop the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is famed for its lush tea gardens, toy train rides, and panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Savor a cup of aromatic Darjeeling tea, take a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and witness breathtaking sunrise from Tiger Hill. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Escape the summer heat and retreat to the misty hills of Kodaikanal, often referred to as the "Princess of Hill Stations." Explore the tranquil lakes, verdant forests, and scenic viewpoints, and unwind amidst the pristine beauty of this charming destination. Shillong, Meghalaya Known as the "Scotland of the East," Shillong captivates visitors with its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant culture. Explore the living root bridges of Cherrapunji, trek to the sacred peak of Shillong Peak, and immerse yourself in the melodic tunes of the local music scene. Andaman and Nicobar Islands With its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a tropical paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Snorkel amidst colorful coral reefs, explore historical landmarks like Cellular Jail, and unwind on the secluded beaches of Havelock Island. Coorg, Karnataka Known as the "Scotland of India," Coorg entices visitors with its lush coffee plantations, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls. Embark on nature walks through the verdant forests, savor freshly brewed coffee, and rejuvenate amidst the serene beauty of this enchanting destination. Udaipur, Rajasthan Often referred to as the "City of Lakes" and the "Venice of the East," Udaipur exudes regal charm and timeless elegance. Explore the majestic palaces, serene lakes, and intricate architecture of this romantic city, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. As you plan your summer escapade across the diverse landscapes of India, these top 10 destinations promise to offer an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. So pack your bags, set out on an expedition of discovery, and let the magic of India's summer destinations unfold before you. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Beat the heat: 10 amazing places in India to embrace summer

Mumbai, <keyword id="19897254" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil" source="keywords">Tamil</keyword> superstar <keyword id="19902056" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vijay" source="keywords">Vijay</keyword>, who was recently seen in 'Leo', and is awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'The Goat Life', has decided to quit cinema for his political career. He announced his political party, <keyword id="20429636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam" source="keywords">Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam</keyword>, on Friday. The actor said that he will quit cinema after completing two films ('GOAT' and an untitled film) to become a full-fledged politician in <keyword id="19896558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu" source="keywords">Tamil Nadu</keyword>. His party members will contest in the 2026 elections. The actor recently met Class 10 and 12 students and also offered aid to people affected by the recent floods in <keyword id="19895758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chennai" source="keywords">Chennai</keyword>. In a long official statement, the actor said that there is a need for political power to do social work in a full-fledged manner. The actor's official account on X posted: "You all are well aware of the political situation of Tamil Nadu. On one side, we have a dysfunctional administration and corrupt political culture, and on the other, we have divisive politics that aims to divide people along the lines of caste, creed, and religion. Both impede our progress. It is an incontestable truth that people, more so in Tamil Nadu, are longing for a change in a political scenario and want a selfless, honest, secular and talented party to bring about a change." Vijay announced that he will be contesting in the 2026 state legislative assembly elections and will pave the way for the 'desired political transformation sought by the people of Tamil Nadu'. The statement further mentioned: "Upon the approval of the election ordinance, our party's policies, manifestos, strategies, and programs will be unveiled, and our political journey for the people of Tamil Nadu will commence. Our party will proceed with the necessary diligence, ensuring that all activities align with the party's mission and goals, prioritising the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, my prolonged commitment to politics is not merely a profession but a sacred duty to the people. Politics, in my perspective, is not a pastime; it is my profound endeavour." "So, I will complete the project I have accepted now, making sure that it doesn't affect my political service. And I will embark on this journey to serve the people of Tamil Nadu fully, without any distractions. That, I believe, is my debt of gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu", he added in the statement," he concluded.

Superstar Vijay to quit films for a political career, announces new political party

<ul><li><keyword id="3156454" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tata-coffee-grand" source="Orion">Tata Coffee Grand</keyword>'s latest campaign ‘Sounds of <keyword id="20154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu" source="Orion">Tamil Nadu</keyword>’, celebrates the various sounds that reflect the unique spirit of <keyword id="38378" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="pongal" source="Orion">Pongal</keyword>.</li><li>The vibrant film is a montage of various visuals and sounds that are associated with the Pongal festival; the crunch of sugarcane, the clink of children’s anklets, and the musical echoes of the ‘kulavai’ among others. </li><li>The campaign has been conceptualized by <keyword id="274876" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lowe-lintas" source="Orion">Lowe Lintas</keyword> Bangalore and directed by <keyword id="5375262" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="farooq-mohamed" source="Orion">Farooq Mohamed</keyword> of <keyword id="12943507" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kadhai-films" source="Orion">Kadhai Films</keyword>.</li></ul>Tata <keyword id="6354798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coffee" source="Orion">Coffee</keyword> Grand, the coffee brand from the house of Tata Consumer Products continues its celebration of bringing out the emotions and excitement associated with coffee in Tamil Nadu. In line with this, the brand has released a festive film celebrating the various sounds that reflect the unique spirit of Pongal with the ‘Sounds of Tamil Nadu’ campaign of Tata Coffee Grand. <div type="Youtube" id="xvzdtTP-0r4" title="Tata Coffee Grand | Celebrating the Sounds of Pongal | Shik Shik Shik" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xvzdtTP-0r4/mqdefault.jpg"></div> The vibrant film is a montage of various visuals and sounds that are associated with the Pongal festival; the crunch of sugarcane, the clink of children’s anklets, and the musical echoes of the ‘kulavai’ among others. Replete with sumptuous Pongal delicacies, family gatherings, and a splash of rich hues that the Tamil culture is well-known for, the film concludes with the thought, ‘How can any festive meal be complete without coffee and the emotions associated with it?’ Talking about the film, Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products said, “Our campaign of Tata Coffee Grand launched last year, synonymizes the word ‘Coffee’ with the sound i.e. Shik-Shik-Shik – which represents the sound heard when the Tata Coffee Grand jar or pack is shaken! We have gone a step ahead this year and have extended the ‘shik shik shik’ proposition to the sound of the Pongal festivities, to capture the excitement of the festival along with the emotions of drinking coffee. These festivities are not just reflected in the visuals but also in the unique sounds that reverberate throughout the harvest season. In highlighting this, we are happy to launch our new film which doubles up as a feast to the senses and has a distinct sound design that celebrates the festive taste of Tamil Nadu”. Commenting on the campaign idea, <keyword id="1743436" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sonali-khanna" source="Orion">Sonali Khanna</keyword>, Executive Director and Branch Head, Lowe Lintas South said, "Pongal is a festival that the people of Tamil Nadu hold very close to their hearts, resulting in a joyous tapestry of celebratory sights and sounds. What's striking is that many of the authentic sounds of Pongal are expressed as triplets. This is exactly the same aural mnemonic we have used to bring our product USP to life: the ‘Shik Shik Shik’ of the packet representing the Tata Coffee Grand crystals. The wonderful interplay of musical triplets, the rich festive hues, and the catchy sound of the pack, all come together seamlessly. To create a film that is as aurally arresting as it is visually resplendent." The film was directed by Farooq Mohamed of Kadhai Films. Team Credits: · Agency – Lowe Lintas, Bangalore · Creative – <keyword id="491609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="puneet-kapoor" source="Orion">Puneet Kapoor</keyword>, Nishant Pratap, Jananie S · Account Management – Sonali Khanna, Ameya Lokhande, Satish Perumal, Mitali Kulkarni · Planning – Kishore Subramanian, <keyword id="12943506" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prashanth-murthy" source="Orion">Prashanth Murthy</keyword> · Production House – Kadhai Films

Tata Coffee Grand's Pongal campaign celebrates the different sounds that reflect the festival's spirit

As the assembly polls in <keyword id="6354915" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="assam">Assam</keyword>, <keyword id="28504" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, <keyword id="20154" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, <keyword id="6357783" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-bengal">West Bengal</keyword> and <keyword id="6354306" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Puducherry">Puducherry</keyword> inch closer, Twitter on Wednesday said it is implementing significant product, policy, and enforcement updates to keep the service safe from attempts to manipulate the platform. While a global cross-functional team with local, cultural, and language expertise will run the election integrity work, Twitter said it is taking proactive measures to prevent prohibited political advertising through comprehensive and nuanced enforcement mechanisms. "These include identifying and blocking ads from referenced candidates, parties, and other election-related content," the company said in a statement. Twitter said it will label synthetic and manipulated <keyword id="6354777" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Media">media</keyword> and link it to a Twitter Moment to give people additional context and surface-related conversations "so they can make more informed decisions on the content they want to engage with or amplify". When people attempt to retweet <keyword id="6406419" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tweets">tweets</keyword> with a synthetic and manipulated media label, they will see a prompt pointing them to credible information. "These Tweets won't be algorithmically recommended by Twitter, which further reduces the visibility of misleading information," the company announced. Twitter will also launch an events page dedicated to the <keyword id="6372146" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="assembly-elections">assembly elections</keyword> on voting days and for the election results day. The page will include a timeline of Tweets from credible accounts to provide the latest information on the days of voting and election results. "These will be visible to account holders in India in the Explore Tab, and will provide continuous updates and context throughout the election period with multiple language videos from a variety of news partners in the carousel," the company informed. "We are taking extra steps to ensure people have context to what's trending for them and will include a representative <keyword id="6354904" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tweet">Tweet</keyword>, Twitter Moment or description to the top trends". SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/peter-thiel-backed-vc-firm-valar-ventures-invests-in-indian-fintech-startup-velocity/articleshow/81663073.cms">Peter Thiel-backed VC firm Valar Ventures invests in Indian fintech startup Velocity</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/anupam-rasayan-ipo-lists-at-520-per-share-on-the-india-stock-exchange/articleshow/81663145.cms">Anupam Rasayan fails to dazzle on its stock market debut – shares down by nearly 8% below the issue price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/inshorts-backed-social-networking-app-public-raises-300-crore-in-latest-funding/articleshow/81663873.cms">Inshorts-backed social networking app Public raises ₹300 crore in latest funding</a>

Twitter gears up for assembly elections in India — announces measures to 'prevent prohibited political advertising'

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharam announced allocation of ₹3150 crore for Ministry of Culture and proposes the establishment of <keyword id="8696744" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-institute-of-heritage">Indian Institute of Heritage</keyword> and Conservation under the ministry. “Five archaeological sites in Haryana, UP, Assam, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, to be developed with on-site museums, to be developed with on-site museums,” says finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The list of five archaeological sites includes: <ul><li>Hastinapur in UP, the city is described in Hindu puranas and Mahabharata, as the capital of Kuru Kingdom. The city also finds its mention in the ancient Jain texts.</li><li>Dholavira in Khadirbet, Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District,is one of the two largest Harappan sites in India, and fifth largest in the subcontinent.</li><li>Adichanallur in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu is one of the earliest ancient sites according to the carbon dating of samples excavated from the Adichanallur site in Thoothukudi.</li><li>Rakhigarhi in Haryana dates back to the pre-Indus valley civilization as old as 6500 BCE. It was also a part of matured Indus-valley civilization. The site was recently in the news for the scientific paper on the DNA analysis of the Harappan skeleton. </li><li>Sivasagar in Assam gets its name from the big lake Sivasagar. The lake was commissioned by the Ahom king Siva Singha and lies in an area of about 360 kilometres. </li></ul>However, the list missed out two important archaeological cultural sites RoopKund in Uttarakhand and Keeladi in Madurai. The Financial minister also said a tribal museum will be set up in Ranchi, Jharkhand and a Maritime site will be set up in Lothal, Gujarat. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/nirmala-skitharaman-recites-kashmiri-poem-comparing-india-to-a-daal-lake-lotus/articleshow/73832846.cms?src=hp_latest">Nirmala Sitharaman ditches Tamil to recite a Kashmiri poem - comparing India to a Dal Lake lotus</a>

Budget 2020 allocates a unique part of budget to Ministry of Culture for Archaeological sites

Strongly backing Tamil Nadu's decades old two-language policy, the ruling AIADMK in the state on Monday rejected the Centre's three-language formula proposed in the new <keyword id="361871" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Education-Policy">National Education Policy</keyword> (NEP) 2020 and said there will be no deviation from the existing system. "The three-language formula in the NEP is painful and saddening. The Prime Minister (<keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>) should reconsider the three-language policy," Palaniswami said. Taking strong exception to the proposal, he said in a statement the state has been following the two-language policy for several decades and that there will be no change in it. His assertion came amidst opposition demand, including from DMK, that the government should reject the three-language formula proposed in NEP and stick to its two-language policy. Incidentally, ahead of today's meeting he convened to discuss the matter with his senior cabinet colleagues, the Opposition bloc led by DMK wrote to the chief minister, asking him to adopt a Cabinet resolution against the new NEP. "Tamil Nadu will never allow the Centre's three- language formula. The state will continue with its dual language policy (of Tamil and English)," Palaniswami said. He discussed the matter with his colleagues--Deputy CM O Panneerselvam, Ministers for higher education and school education, K P Anbalagan and K A Sengottaiyan, respectively and others. The Centre should allow the states to implement their own policy on the subject, he said, adding there will be no change to the two-language formula which the state had adopted decades ago. Teaching up to class 5 in mother tongue or regional language and lowering the stakes of board exams are part of the sweeping reforms in the new NEP unveiled last week by the Centre. However, the proposals have found resistance from the DMK-led opposition in the state, with the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, MK Stalin, dubbing it as an attempt to "impose" Hindi and Sankrit. The anti-Hindi movement of the 1960s taken forward by the DMK had struck an instant chord among the Tamil masses then and is believed to be one of the key reasons for the Dravidian party storming to power in the 1967 elections under the late CN Annadurai, unseating a Congress government in the state for the first time in post-independent India. Palaniswami further said the state has been maintaining a consistent stand and that for about 80 years, the people of Tamil Nadu had been firm on two language policy. Late chief ministers Annadurai, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa were firmly against 'imposition' of Hindi. He also recalled the historic resolution brought in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by late Annadurai on January 23, 1968, which proposed to abolish the three language policy in all schools in the state, removing Hindi from the State syllabus but allowing only Tamil and English. Later, the AIADMK government led M G Ramachandran had in 1986 adopted an Assembly resolution asserting the two language policy. Former chief minister J Jayalalithaa too was firm on opposing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states and in thwarting such efforts and wanted Tamil to be declared as an official language of the country, he said. Palaniswami pointed out he himself had written to the Prime Minister in June 2019 stressing on two-language policy. Besides, he had reiterated this in his Independence Day address last year and on various occasions during the debates in the state Assembly, he recalled. Meanwhile, the Opposition DMK led alliance in Tamil Nadu--comprising the Congress, MDMK, VCK, CPM, CPI and MMK, collectively wrote a letter to Palaniswami asking him to pass a resolution against the new NEP in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet meeting. Many clauses in the new policy are trying to impose "Hindi" and "Sanskrit" and are "trying to do away with Tamil from the system, and this is against federalism, women rights and social justice. It was also "imposing" vedic culture, besides being mum on reservation, it said. "The NEP should be opposed in the initial stages itself," the letter added. Later, Stalin, in a Facebook post, thanked Palaniswami for the government stand on the matter. The NEP, passed by the Union Cabinet last week, laid emphasis on the mother tongue/local and regional language which will now be the medium of instruction at least till Class 5, but preferably till Class 8 and beyond. Also, Sanskrit will be offered at all levels of school and higher education as an option for students, including in the three-language formula.

National Education Policy: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister writes to Modi opposing the shift to three languages

One of the prized possessions of India is this Brihadeshwara Temple in Tamil Nadu, which is an example of exemplary Tamil architecture during the Chola period. 
 
Also known as RajaRajeswara Temple Rajarajeswaram, this temple is located in Thanjavur in southern Tamil Nadu state and was built by Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE. 
 The temple entered the <keyword id="6383012" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unesco-World-Heritage-Site">UNESCO World Heritage Site</keyword> list in 1987 and is also a part of "Great Living Chola Temples". The temple turned 1000 years old in 2010. 
 
The temple, which is the tallest in India and one of the tallest in the world, still remains an engineering mystery as it is completely made of granite and archaeologists still don’t know how the builders got such huge pieces of granite for construction at this height. 
 
The temple is said to be made up of about 60,000 tonnes of granite. 
 
It is also said that the shadow of the temple disappears at noon. 
 
Here are some other interesting facts about the temple

This tallest temple in India’s Tamil Nadu is over 1,000 years old and its engineering is still a mystery to historians

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"O Saki Saki," a song from a Bollywood movie, has become a viral TikTok dance trend. </li><li>But South Asian creators have criticized the altered dance, saying it sexualizes their culture. </li></ul>In recent months, TikTokers have been taking part in one of the latest dance trends on the app — a Bollywood routine from a scene in "Batla House," a 2019 film produced by Indian record label T-Series. The song, called "O Saki Saki," is beloved by many within the South Asian community, who have been <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nandanibatta/video/6716415439406206210?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">posting</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnoriana/video/6842611376507079938?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">TikToks</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@call_me_mk_/video/6759525039810301185?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">of</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.sanket23/video/6718336105831238913?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">themselves</a> dancing to the routine ever since the film's release. But now, the dance has gained popularity among another group of creators, who are primarily white, and who have altered a key move from the routine in the videos. Where "Batla House" actor Nora Fatehi drops to the ground to perform a dramatic series of hip thrusts during the film, TikTokers have switched the move out for a body roll — a dance move characterized by a slow fluid movement of the hips upwards and then downwards. This trendified version of the routine is commonly used alongside <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7054717094633491205">sped-up version of the song</a>, an audio clip that has featured in 126,000 videosBut it has also sparked backlash from South Asian creators, who told Insider they think the videos are wrongfully sexualizing the routine and that this reflects a broader history of western societies fetishizing and appropriating South Asian culture. <h2>Many South Asian TikTokers are speaking out against white creators getting the dance wrong</h2><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@naomi.nambo">Naomi Namboodiripad</a> is an Indian dance creator with 323,000 TikTok followers who specializes in Indian classical dance forms. Namboodiripad told Insider that the original dance wasn't intended to be sexualized, but rather "energetic," so when a non-South Asian person performs the body-roll version, she thinks it's like they're "fetishizing Bollywood and South Asians in general.""There was no acknowledgment of where it came from, they just took it and sexualized it," she said. In response to the trend, Namboodiripad, along with several other South Asian creators, made dance videos to demonstrate how to do the dance correctly, along with captions saying things like, "<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@aishuadd/video/7151039267102346538?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">That 'body roll' I keep seeing yt ppl do is NOT the original dance</a>," and, "<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@spongegod2/video/7152410684746173697?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;q=saki%20saki%20body%20roll&amp;t=1666094051406">Don't tell us how to dance our dance</a>."<h2>South Asian creators told Insider they think their culture should not have to be sexualized in order to be celebrated</h2>Debotri Dhar, a lecturer in South Asian Studies at the University of Michigan who specializes in Women and Gender Studies, told Insider that the "sexualizing" of the "O Saki Saki" dance is a clear instance of South Asian cultures being "exoticized and orientalized," explaining this refers to <a href="https://monoskop.org/images/4/4e/Said_Edward_Orientalism_1979.pdf">a history of</a> western societies "disproportionately highlighting those aspects of another culture that seem mysterious and intriguing, and playing down any similarities in cultural practices."Dhar told Insider this is a continuation of a "longer history of sexualization" passed down from the colonial era, which she said created "generalizations about the savages and sages of other cultures, sexualizing the bodies of Black and Brown women in the colonies because they did not dress and eat, live, and love per the norms of Victorian morality." <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sully_iqbal">Sully Iqbal</a> is a 25-year-old TikTok creator based in London, of half-Pakistani and half-Indian heritage. He made a<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sully_iqbal/video/7153649418305146118?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;q=saki%20saki%20sully%20iqbal&amp;t=1666178289751"> video</a> saying he thinks backlash to the trend from South Asian people is a "good step forward" for the community as it shows that individuals are using social media to push back against stereotypical portrayals of their culture. "I feel like people are finally coming to the opinion that this kind of representation isn't true representation. That an orientalized representation isn't really what we want. We want good representation, which showcases all the other great things about South Asia and the region as a whole," he said, adding, "We want to get to show that we are beautiful, but it does not need to be in a way that's hyper-sexualized." Namboodiripad told Insider she also feels that western society disproportionately picks up on elements of South Asian culture that they can exoticize, such as the "sparkly dresses" seen in Bollywood films, but said she wishes that people showed appreciation for different and more diverse aspects of the culture. On TikTok, she has previously stated that as a performer of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical style that originated in Tamil Nadu, South India, she often receives<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@naomi.nambo/video/7151891464891649326?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1"> judgmental comments</a> about why she dances in bare feet, and she told Insider that many people think of such elements of South Asian culture as "primitive." However, she said she wishes that people broadened their awareness and appreciation of South Asian culture, instead of showing interest in only certain, sexualized representations of it. "I just really wish that South Asian culture was more respected," said Namboodiripad, "and that more people were advocating for a culture where we can be humanized and seen as individuals, who are just one small part of a bigger culture." <h2>The dismissal of the criticism on TikTok is troubling to South Asian creators</h2>Several South Asian creators who called out the modified dance were met with <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@brownie.vibez/video/7152311741760802050?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;q=saki%20saki%20graceful&amp;t=1666093757282">criticism</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@malxaika/video/7152214239002840326?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;q=saki%20saki%20white&amp;t=1666094009584">and</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@__hxrini/video/7152987722032893227?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">negative</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@aishuadd/video/7154432095664737579?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;q=saki%20saki%20aggressive&amp;t=1666093668117">comments</a>, mainly from people who said they preferred the routine with the body roll and that the original dance felt too <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@aishuadd/video/7151039267102346538?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1">"aggressive."</a> Namboodiripad said it was "infuriating" to see South Asian people being criticized for doing the dance the correct way. "The idea of having someone else say, 'Hey, you're doing it wrong,' even though they don't even know what's happening, it makes you feel inferior."She also said that negative comments about the original dance were a reflection of the way Indian culture is often rejected and looked down upon as a lingering effect of colonialism. "Historically, 'aggressive' has been used to describe cultures that are not white, so people describing the dance in this way feels really harmful when you consider that India was colonized and its people were made to feel lesser than white Europeans," she said. <a href="https://www.insider.com/henna-freckles-tiktok-trend-cultural-appropriation-2022-4#:~:text=%22Henna%20freckles%22%20is%20a%20popular,profit%20from%20South%20Asian%20culture.">Insider previously reported that</a> Britain's colonization of India, before the country gained its independence in 1947 and established its constitution in 1950, created a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-women-had-to-kill-themselves-and-other-bitter-stories-of-british-colonialism-revealed-in-a-podcast/articleshow/74169159.cms">notion that white people were intellectually and culturally superior to people of color,</a> and that this notion still persists against minority cultures today.Namboodiripad told Insider that the way many non-South Asian creators who performed the dance incorrectly <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7054717094633491205">still appear as the top videos under the "O Saki Saki" TikTok audio</a>, having received more views and likes than South Asian dancers who did the routine the correct way, demonstrates how false notions of white superiority have entered the social media space."Why are we not being respected for what we do? Why does it have to be a white creator that has to take our culture in order for it to be uplifted?" she said. <a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.</a>

A trendified version of a Bollywood dance routine is going massively viral on TikTok. But South Asian creators say it shows a lack of respect for their culture.

In March 2010, two unidentified people opened fire at CISF personnel just outside the high-security Isro campus in Byalalu, near <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword>. Their suspicious movements had attracted the attention of CISF personnel guarding the facility. 
 On being questioned, they had opened fire at the guards, forcing them to fire in retaliation. The two men eventually escaped.Bengaluru police nabbed <keyword id="2790945" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Pankaj-Kumar-Roy">Pankaj Kumar Roy</keyword>, alleged to be a <keyword id="2790966" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="high-profile-arms-dealer">high-profile arms dealer</keyword> who had even struck deals with <keyword id="38962" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="LTTE">LTTE</keyword> agents, and confiscated weapons and ammunition. 
 According to <keyword id="105279" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="the-Times">The Times</keyword> of India, more recently, in September 2014, <keyword id="6430978" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Bengaluru-police">Bengaluru police</keyword> nabbed Pankaj Kumar Roy, alleged to be a high-profile arms dealer who had even struck deals with LTTE agents, and confiscated weapons and ammunition. 
 
Bengaluru, and even other parts of Karnataka, are slowly turning into places where people are armed with illegal guns and revolvers. Police and other agencies crack some cases, while others remain undetected. "There is a problem and it's growing. With the general level of tolerance in society declining, people are arming themselves, especially with illegal weapons. 
 This poses a great danger, and the department is working on such elements," a <keyword id="166593" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="senior-police-officer">senior police officer</keyword> said. According to information from the ministry of home affairs (MHA), nearly 300 people have been arrested in Karnataka over the past four years in connection with illegal arms cases, and 337 weapons have been seized. Documents show that in 2011, a total of 141 arms were seized by various agencies in Karnataka and this remains the highest till January 2015. In the first month of this year alone, six weapons were seized and nine persons arrested, said TOI. 
 
"In 2012, we saw a lot of cases where people used weapons for bank or jewellery shop robberies. This was despite several seizures. But the number of seizures reduced and even the activity of such people has declined," the officer said. 
 Across India, the TOI report said, a total of 45,366 weapons have been seized from January 2011 to January 2015, and most of them, not surprisingly, from Jammu &amp; Kashmir, <keyword id="30033" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Bihar">Bihar</keyword>, UP and other known states. In South India, <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> (including Telangana) tops the chart with 921 seizures, while <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword> and Kerala have reported 290 and 139 seizures, respectively.

South India's growing gun culture causing panic

<ul><li>The popular video-based social networking mobile application, TikTok, has been banned in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. </li><li>The Madras High Court is also pushing the central government for a pan-India TikTok ban.</li><li>The petition filed against TikTok stated that the app was 'encouraging pornography'.</li></ul>TikTok, a media app for creating and sharing short videos, seems to be next in line to be banned in India as the Madras High Court is <a href="https://barandbench.com/madras-high-court-ban-tiktok/">pushing</a> for the government to prohibit downloads of the mobile application. Their order bans TikTok in the state of Tamil Nadu with immediate effect. After several states in India started <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pubg-ban-leads-to-arrests-in-rajkot-india/articleshow/68404164.cms">implementing</a> a ban on the battle royale game, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds for being <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pubg-ban-india-healthy-gaming-experience-proposed/articleshow/68058605.cms">addictive</a>, TikTok seems to be the next mobile app to be caught in the crosshairs. The petition to ban TikTok contended that the content on the social network platform “was containing degrading culture and encouraging pornography besides containing explicit disturbing content and causing social stigma and medical health issue between teens.” The bench, led by Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice SS Sundar, cited inappropriate content, including pornography and accessibility to children as the primary reasons behind the interim order — adding that media outlets should also be prohibited from telecasting videos that are made using TikTok. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="“Majority of the teens are playing pranks, gaffing around with duet videos and sharing with split screen to the strangers. The children who use the said application are vulnerable and may expose them to sexual predators.”" auname="Excerpt from the interim order issued by the Madras High Court"></div>





 The court has also recommended that India could bring about a new legislation around the online privacy of children similar to the Children’s Online Privacy Protect Act in the United States. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="By becoming addicted to TikTok App, and similar apps, or cyber games, the future of the youngsters and mindset of the children are spoiled." auname="Excerpt from the interim order issued by the Madras High Court"></div>





 Why the fuss around TikTok? Formerly known as musical.ly, the app was rebranded as TikTok when ByteDance acquired it from $1 billion. And, since its launch in India, users from the country account for 39% of TikTok’s 500 million users. Brands are also using influencers on the platform like Baby Ariel and Lisa &amp; Lena, for their promotion campaigns since the app primarily targets users in the age group of 16 to 24 years. In light of the scrutiny around fake news and being called up by the parliamentary committee in preparation of the upcoming general election in India, TikTok <a href="https://inc42.com/buzz/bytedance-pacifies-indian-govt-to-dilute-draft-intermediary-regulations/" data-type="tilCustomLink">appointed</a> Sandhya Sharma as its public policy director. The social media app also has content moderation teams working in over 20 countries. 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="“We are committed to respecting local laws and regulations, and in order to better coordinate with law enforcement agencies, we are also in the process of hiring a chief nodal officer, based out of India.”" auname="TikTok spokesperson told Inc42"></div>





 See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pubg-ban-leads-to-arrests-in-rajkot-india/articleshow/68404164.cms">Teens are getting arrested for playing PUBG in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/facebook-partnership-tseries-zee-yash-raj-films/articleshow/68409690.cms">Facebook follows in TikTok’s footsteps by bringing music to posts and stories</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tiktok-was-bigger-than-instagram-last-year-after-passing-the-1-billion-download-mark/articleshow/68188150.cms">TikTok was bigger than Instagram last year after passing the 1 billion download mark</a>

An Indian court has banned TikTok for ‘encouraging pornography’

When the <keyword id="6662033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Big-Cats">big cats</keyword> world over are fast losing their <keyword id="1342788" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="natural-habitat">natural habitat</keyword>, it is heartening to see one Indian state setting up a new home for this endangered species. <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> will soon be home to the state’s fifth <keyword id="51012" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tiger-reserve">tiger reserve</keyword> if it gets approval from the <keyword id="49041" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="National-Tiger-Conservation-Authority">National Tiger Conservation Authority</keyword>, a senior official said in Mumbai. There are already four tiger reserves in the state including <keyword id="6416868" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Melghat">Melghat</keyword>, <keyword id="6364430" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tadoba">Tadoba</keyword>, <keyword id="378980" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pench">Pench</keyword> and <keyword id="305828" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sahyadri">Sahyadri</keyword>. 
 The sanctuary identified for the new tiger project is located at <keyword id="1957392" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nagzira-Navegaon">Nagzira-Navegaon</keyword> – lying between Bhandara and Gondia districts. Earlier, <keyword id="1957393" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nagzira-sanctuary">Nagzira sanctuary</keyword> spanned some 150 sq km while the <keyword id="131360" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navegaon-National-Park">Navegaon National Park</keyword> covered 130 sq km. With the upcoming tiger habitat in view, the entire area has been increased to 700 sq km, principal secretary (forests) Praveen Pardeshi told the media. 
 Some big cats housed in Tadoba often wander outside the core area and these will be moved to the <keyword id="612932" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nagzira-Navegaon-tiger-reserve">Nagzira-Navegaon tiger reserve</keyword>. There are more than 100 tigers in Tadoba while Nagzira alone shelters some 20 tigers. 
 As per the latest data, the average number of tigers in Maharashtra grew from 103 in 2006 to 168 in 2011. Other states like Kerala, <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, Karnataka, <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword> and the Western Ghats region also saw a rise in number, according to new surveys conducted via camera traps. 
 India is home to the world’s largest population of wild tigers and the number stood at 1,706 according to the last census in 2011 (ranging between a minimum of 1,571 and a maximum of 1,875 across 17 Indian states). In a bid to boost the <keyword id="110107" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="tiger-population">tiger population</keyword>, the central government gave in-principle approval for the creation of five <keyword id="1186294" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-tiger-reserves">new tiger reserves</keyword> in 2012. These include <keyword id="42865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pilibhit">Pilibhit</keyword> (<keyword id="6357713" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>), <keyword id="1089395" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ratapani">Ratapani</keyword> (<keyword id="6355554" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Madhya-Pradesh">Madhya Pradesh</keyword>), <keyword id="191956" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sunabeda">Sunabeda</keyword> (<keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>), <keyword id="1957401" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mukundara-Hills">Mukundara Hills</keyword> (<keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>) and <keyword id="119091" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sathyamangalam">Sathyamangalam</keyword> (Tamil Nadu). The proposed Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve constitutes three wildlife sanctuaries including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal. 
 India is also planning to set up an all-new tiger sanctuary inside the <keyword id="63330" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sundarbans">Sundarbans</keyword>, <keyword id="1957403" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worlds-largest-mangrove-forest">world’s largest mangrove forest</keyword> which straddles the border of <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword> with <keyword id="6354759" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bangladesh">Bangladesh</keyword>. The Sundarbans, a <keyword id="6383012" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Unesco-World-Heritage-Site">UNESCO World Heritage Site</keyword> spanning some 10,000 sq km, already houses a tiger reserve but a second one could be coming up to accommodate the increasing tiger population in that region. 
 
With input from agencies 
Image: Wikipedia

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