Governors of Tamil Nadu

The Governor of Tamil Nadu is the constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India. Since its days as the Madras Presidency, and later as Tamil Nadu post-1956, the state has been served by many prominent Governors. The Governor oversees constitutional responsibilities, appoints the Chief Minister, and ensures the state functions within the framework of the Constitution. This page lists all Governors of Tamil Nadu in order—from the current officeholder to the first—along with their term durations and important details.

Updated On - 22 Sep 2025
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Governor of Tamil-Nadu

List of Governors of Tamil Nadu (1946 – Present):

Name

Term Start

Term End

State Name

R. N. Ravi

18 September 2021

Present

Tamil Nadu

Banwarilal Purohit

6 October 2017

17 September 2021

Tamil Nadu

C. Vidyasagar Rao (Addl. Charge)

2 September 2016

5 October 2017

Tamil Nadu

K. Rosaiah

31 August 2011

1 September 2016

Tamil Nadu

Surjit Singh Barnala

3 November 2004

30 August 2011

Tamil Nadu

P. S. Ramamohan Rao

18 January 2002

2 November 2004

Tamil Nadu

Fathima Beevi

25 January 1997

3 July 2001

Tamil Nadu

M. Fathima Beevi (Addl. Charge)

25 January 1997

3 July 2001

Tamil Nadu

Chenna Reddy

25 May 1993

2 December 1996

Tamil Nadu

Bhishma Narain Singh

15 February 1993

2 May 1993

Tamil Nadu

Marri Chenna Reddy

2 December 1992

13 February 1993

Tamil Nadu

S. S. Barnala

24 May 1990

15 February 1993

Tamil Nadu

P. C. Alexander

13 May 1985

23 May 1990

Tamil Nadu

S. L. Khurana

17 May 1982

12 May 1985

Tamil Nadu

Prabhudas Patwari

27 October 1977

16 May 1982

Tamil Nadu

Mohan Lal Sukhadia

28 May 1976

26 October 1977

Tamil Nadu

K. K. Shah

26 June 1971

27 May 1976

Tamil Nadu

Sardar Ujjal Singh

1 June 1966

25 June 1971

Tamil Nadu

Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar

4 June 1964

30 May 1966

Tamil Nadu

P. V. Rajamannar (Acting)

7 July 1964

3 October 1964

Tamil Nadu

Satyawant Mallannah Shrinagesh

2 May 1958

3 May 1964

Tamil Nadu

Bishnuram Medhi

1 May 1958

3 May 1964

Tamil Nadu

A. J. John, Anaparambil

1 March 1956

30 April 1958

Tamil Nadu

Sri Prakasa

15 October 1952

10 February 1956

Tamil Nadu

Maharaja Krishna Kumarsinhji Bhavsinhji

6 January 1948

15 October 1952

Tamil Nadu

Sir Archibald Nye

6 October 1946

6 January 1948

Tamil Nadu

FAQs on Governor of Tamil Nadu

  • Who is the current Governor of Tamil Nadu?

    R. N. Ravi is the current Governor of Tamil Nadu, serving since September 2021.

  • Who was the first Governor of Tamil Nadu after independence?

    Maharaja Krishna Kumarsinhji Bhavsinhji was the first Indian Governor after independence.

  • What is the official residence of the Tamil Nadu Governor?

    The official residence is Raj Bhavan, located in Chennai.  

  • What are the main responsibilities of the Governor?

    The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, ensures constitutional governance, and gives assent to bills passed by the Legislative Assembly.

  • Has any woman served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu?

    Yes, Justice M. Fathima Beevi was the first woman Governor of Tamil Nadu, serving from 1997 to 2001.

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