Tamil Nadu famous for its rich heritage and culture has nurtured the fine arts especially music and dance from time immemorial. Countless number of Tamil Songs have been composed by the Tevaram Moovar, Alwars, Muthuthandavar, Marimutha pillai, Arunachala Kavirayar and Arunagirinathar. Composers like Ramalinga Swamigal, Gopalakrishna Bharati, Neelakandha Sivan, Papanasam Sivan, Mahakavi Subramania Bharati and many others have composed hundreds of Tamil songs. To promote Tamil Isai and to give it a Pride of place in a music concert, Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar founded the Tamil Isai Sangam in 1943 with the patronage and sponsorship of the first Indian Finance Minister Dr. R.K.Shanmugam Chettiar, the first Indian Governor General Thiru C.Rajagopalachari, Thiru Kalki Krishnamoorthy, T.K.Chidambaranathan Mudaliyar, Thiru C.N.Annadurai and others.
The sole aim of Tamil Isai Sangam was to give a predominant place for Tamil songs in Music Concerts and not using them as tail enders.
In 1944 Tamil Isai Kalloori was established with the intention of teaching and promoting Tamil Isai throughout India especially in Tamil Nadu.
Chettinad Arasar extended financial assistance to meet the expenses of running the Tamil Isai Kalloori.
Following in his father's footsteps, Raja Sir Muthiah Chettiar also committed himself to the development of Tamil Isai Sangam. He had involved himself in the activities of the sangam as the Vice President for several decades since its inception.
Dr. M.A.Chidambaram Chettiar, the third son of Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar served the institution as the Honorary Secretary for 52 years.
In 1995 Dr. A.C.Muthiah assumed office as the Honorary Secretary of Tamil Isai Sangam and has been efficiently managing the affairs of the Tamil Isai Kalloori till date. Very much involved in the activities of the Tamil Isai Kalloori, Dr. A.C.Muthiah is always working towards its upgradation. Scholarships are being given to the students who wish to learn Nagaswaram and Tavil, thus promoting the art form.
