Clarification on gratuity.

I worked with a private deemed-to-be university in Tamil Nadu for more than 5 years and resigned on 30th November 2010. Am I eligible for gratuity as per gratuity act? (2) Is it statutory? (3) If so, What should I do to claim the same? What is the time limit for getting the gratuity? Thanking you for your time and reply, R. Ganesan.