The first thing that comes into mind on the mention of Thanjavur is the big temple, or the Brihadishwara Temple. Although this tall icon has earned a name for the town, there are other things equally interesting in Thanjavur. It’s specialized paintings and bronze statues are one of the best known ancient art and craft forms in these parts.
Although Thanjavur has been ruled by many dynasties, its prime days are attributed to the Chola Kings. It was the capital of the dynasty from mid-9th century to 13th century AD, when Rajendra Chola moved the capital city to Gangaikondacholapuram. Since then, Thanjavur was ruled by Vijayanagar Empire and later by Nayak kings. Marathas ruled the region from later half of seventeenth century, until it came under the British rule in 1749. It
+ more about ThanjavurThe first thing that comes into mind on the mention of Thanjavur is the big temple, or the Brihadishwara Temple. Although this tall icon has earned a name for the town, there are other things equally interesting in Thanjavur. It’s specialized paintings and bronze statues are one of the best known ancient art and craft forms in these parts.
Although Thanjavur has been ruled by many dynasties, its prime days are attributed to the Chola Kings. It was the capital of the dynasty from mid-9th century to 13th century AD, when Rajendra Chola moved the capital city to Gangaikondacholapuram. Since then, Thanjavur was ruled by Vijayanagar Empire and later by Nayak kings. Marathas ruled the region from later half of seventeenth century, until it came under the British rule in 1749. It was briefly captured by the French in second half of eighteenth century. While Brihadishwara Temple was the major contribution from the Cholas to the city’s structures, Thanjavur palace was built by the Nayak Kings. Brihadishwara Temple was later adorned with many peripheral temples by Nayaks and Marathas.
Today, besides being a heritage town, Thanjavur area is known as the rice bowl of the region.
Thanjavur’s contribution to arts comes from the unique colourful paintings, its bronze statues of Chola era and a percussion instrument called Thavil. Not far from Thanjavur is Tiruvaiyaru, the village where Thyagaraja, the well known Carnatic musician was born.
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