It is noteworthy to record that Tirunelveli had many schools run by Christian Missionaries. The prestigious Hindu Saiva Clan of Tirunelveli had a timely decision to start its societal function by incepting a school at Tirunelveli in 1859.The school was named Anglo-Vernacular School.

The school was shifted to Veeraragavapuram, the present Tirunelveli Junction in 1861 with a change in its name as "Hindu Kalasalai". When Prof. P.Sundaram Pillai was the first principal in 1878 the institution was again renamed as Hindu College. He was responsible for upgrading the college as secondary grade college. In 1908, The Educational Society, Tirunelveli was constituted and the institution came under its management.

The Hindu College was upgraded as a First Grade College in 1924 due to its exemplary and committed service. 1929 was a year of depression in the world economy. The College too faced a heavy financial crisis. Rao Shaib.Prof. Alexander Gnanamuthu, a legendary Christian Principal with the efficient help rendered by the staff, students and well-wishers sought financial assistance from a philanthropist from Madurai. Thiru.Diraviyam Pillai assisted the college with a fair sum of Rs. One lakh in 1936. On his request the institution was named as “THE MADURAI DIRAVIYAM THAYUMANAVAR HINDU COLLEGE" bearing the names of the donor and his cousin. Moreover since 1936, instead of celebrating College Annual Day the management commemorates Donor's Day in the Tamil month of Aani with his birth star Mirugasirisham till date. The management committee comprises a hereditary member permanently to honour the donor. Meantime, the campus was shifted to its present premises in 1958 to meet its immense growth. In 1997, the college extended its service by establishing unaided courses.

Having celebrated its Centenary in 1979 and Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee (125) in 2004, the college is marching towards its 150th Year.