School of Tamil Studies-Madurai Kamaraj University was established in 1965.

The college started at Madurai as a part of the extension centre of Madras University.

The Madurai Kamaraj University was started in 1966 and the Department of Tamil got independent status.

The School is engaged in research activities in Tamil Language and Literature, Comparative Literature, Folklore, Journalism, Dramatics, Temple Studies, Place Names Studies, Dialect Survey, Social Cultural Survey and Studies in Functional Tamil.

The Department of Tamil is recognized by the University Grants Commission at various levels in 1971.

It has been upgraded by the UGC with Special Assistance Program (SAP-III).