Thanjavur (or 'Thanjai' or 'Tanjore') is 342 km from Chennai the capital of the state Tamil Nadu, India. The Granary of South India, Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas in the ancient India. Thanjavur is a city of Chola rulers and it gained popularity during the Chola period between 11th and 14th centuries. Thanjavur or Tanjore reached the acme of art & culture and development during the rule of the Chola king, Rajaraja Cholan. Even today, Thanjavur is remains to be the center of all the classical arts and music. Thanjavur is otherwise known as Tanjore and according to a local legend, Thanjavur derives its name from Tanjan, an asura ruler, who was killed by Lord Vishnu and Sri Anandavalli Amman for devastating the neighborhood and was granted his last request that the city be named after him. his city has produced many classical musicians and bharathanatyam dancers and is also well known for its unique painting style called Tanjore Painting. hanjavur was at the height of its glory during the Chola period between the 10th and the 14th century and became a great centre of learning and culture. After the fall of the Cholas, Pandayas took control of Thanjavur and it remained a province of the Vijaynagar Empire. In the year 1535, the Vijaynagar king hired a Nayak king, thus triggering the onset of the Nayak dynasty which ruled till the middle of 17th century. Thanjavur boasts of numerous beautiful temples and the Big Temple of Thanjavur stands tall with its beaming tower. It's one of the architectural marvels of the world. Known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and south Indian Musical Instruments, Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style and world famous weaving silk sarees. The important landmark in Thanjavur is the great Brahadeeswara Temple also known as the Big Temple, it was built by Raja Raja Chola - I. It is one of the most magnificent piece of South Indian temple architecture. Established in 1011 AD in celebration of victory of Chola kingdom that extended till Ceylon and some parts of the Malaya archipelago. Now it is a world heritage site. The Cholas kings were instrumental in making this city a center for learning and culture. The city is well known worldwide for its antiques as well as exquisite handicrafts. Thanjavur is also known as the Rice Bowl of South India as it lies in the fertile Carvery delta region and rice is the main cultivation crop here.
Thanjavur is also known for its handloom silk sarees, cotton sarees and the most famous of the items is the Tanjore paintings which are in great demand all over the world. Even today Thanjavur is not only considered as the rice bowl of tamil nadu but also as a cultural head quarters. Though the Thanjavur district is dominated by agriculture, the town is diverse in its own, Having a literacy percentage of more that 75% and a homogenous mix of population of all religions. Tanjore is also the home of performing arts as well as Carnatic music and musical instruments made from jack-wood. Tanjore is also known as the city of temples as it has many famous temples in and around the city including the Navagraha temples.
Prime Attractions :
1) The Palace : The Palace of Thanjavur, located near the temple is a vast structure of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and party by the Marathas. Possesses very old manuscripts mostly in Tamil and Sanskrit. The library is situated inside the Saraboji Palace which contains many rare paintings depicting various Indian cities during the reign of King Saraboji.Two of the palace towers, the armoury and the observation tower are visible from every part of the city. The palace also houses an art gallery, a library and a hall of music.
2) Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort : Built by great Chola king in the 10th century AD, Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort is an exquisite example of Chola architecture and is listed in world heritage. his is the most important place to see in Thanjavur. This is a must see. One can enjoy the architecture of the whole temple and also the cute little garden on the temple's backyard. A monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons covers the head of the temple. The cupola was taken to the top by being pulled on a 6 km long inclined ramp, a technique used by pyramid builders of Egypt. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, hundreds of lingam are in the pillared cloister. Free entrance.
3) Art Gallery : The Art Gallery In the palace has a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. The ticket gives also access to a construction of the palace with a nice view on the town. Entrance: Rs. 30 for foreigners, Rs. 7 for Indians.
Get IN :
By Air : The nearest airport is at Tiruchi. Thanjavur is 65 km east of Tiruchi. Madurai is the nest closest aiport. It's about 200 Kms by road. There are direct flights from Chennai. Thanjavur is around 350 Kms south of Chennai by road.
By Rail : Thanjavur also has a railway junction, which is well connected with Tiruchi, Chennai and Nagore. 'Thanjavur Junction' is the station to alight.
By Road : Thanjavur is well connected with all the major towns in Tamil Nadu by road. The journey from Bangalore and Chennai takes about 9 hours and there are over-night buses. The city is also connected with Kochi, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Bangalore in Karnataka.
