Drawing primarily on the census data, this paper maps the inter-taluk variations in the level of literacy in the state of Tamil Nadu as well as changes in this respect over time. The data show significant variations across taluks in terms of literacy achievements during the period between 1971 and 1991. To take the analysis one step further, this paper presents, albeit in a limited manner, some facts on educational facilities and literacy status in the villages of two Tamil Nadu districts. The underlying motivation of such disaggregated study is to develop useful typologies of taluks/villages which may, in turn, constitute the basis for both designing micro studies as well as discerning macro trends.