Economy of Tamil Nadu nearby towns such as Ranipet, Ambur, Perundurai and Vaniyambadi The tanning industry in India has a total capacity of 225 million pieces of hides and skins, of which Tamil Nadu alone contributes 70 per cent, a leading export product share at 40 per cent for India. It currently employs about 2.5 million persons. Leather exports by the end of 2000–2001 were INR90 billion. Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), a CSIR research laboratory, is located in Chennai, the state capital. The town of Sivakasi is a leader in the areas of printing, fireworks, and safety matches. It was fondly called as
Emblem of Tamil Nadu Emblem of Tamil Nadu The Emblem of Tamil Nadu is the official state emblem of Tamil Nadu and is used as the official state symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It consists of the Lion Capital of Ashoka without the bell lotus foundation and flanked on either side by an Indian flag. Behind the capital, is the image of a "gopuram" or temple tower based on the Tower of sri andal temple located at srivilliputtur, Virudhunagar district. The state emblem was designed in 1949 by artist R. Krishna Rao who was a native of Madurai. Krishna Rao was honoured