Established in 1997, Periyar University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the rural setting of the large city of Salem (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Tamil Nadu. Officially recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, Periyar University (PU) is a very large coeducational Indian higher education institution. Periyar University (PU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. PU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.