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How did Madras state become Tamil Nadu in 1968?

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Mamallapuram: Shore Temple — Tamil Nadu Shore Temple, Mamallapuram, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Following the independence of India in 1947, the former British-controlled Madras Presidency became Madras state. Over the following years, the state underwent significant territorial reorganization, with various regions separated to form or join other states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.1

The movement to rename the state gained momentum after the Dravidian Progressive Federation (DMK) swept the 1967 assembly elections. Under the leadership of Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, the Madras Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on July 18, 1967, to rename the state as Tamil Nadu.2

Subsequently, the Indian parliament passed the Madras State (Alteration of Name) Act (1968). This legislation officially came into force on January 14, 1969, formally renaming the state to Tamil Nadu.2