Thanjavur – The Ancient City

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is a historic city located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River and is known for its rich cultural heritage, architecture, and classical music and dance forms. Thanjavur was once the capital of the Chola dynasty, which ruled over southern India between the 9th and 13th centuries CE. The city has a long and illustrious history, and it is home to many magnificent temples, palaces, and monuments.

The origins of Thanjavur can be traced back to the Sangam period, which lasted from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. During this period, Thanjavur was known as Kudamookku and was a center of trade and commerce. The city was later ruled by the Cholas, who made it their capital and transformed it into a major cultural and religious center.

One of the most famous landmarks in Thanjavur is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple. This temple was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century CE and is one of the largest and most impressive temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its towering vimana, which stands at over 60 meters tall. The vimana is made entirely of granite and is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Another important temple in Thanjavur is the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which is one of the oldest libraries in Asia. The library was established in the 16th century CE by the Nayak kings of Thanjavur and contains a vast collection of rare manuscripts, books, and palm leaf manuscripts on a wide range of subjects including medicine, astrology, and literature.

Apart from its temples and libraries, Thanjavur is also famous for its music and dance forms. The city is home to the Thanjavur Quartet, a group of four brothers who were instrumental in developing the Bharatanatyam dance form. The quartet consisted of Ponniah, Chinniah, Sivanandam, and Vadivelu, who lived in the 19th century and were renowned for their contributions to Bharatanatyam.

In addition to Bharatanatyam, Thanjavur is also known for its Carnatic music tradition, which has been nurtured and developed in the city for centuries. Many famous Carnatic musicians have hailed from Thanjavur, including Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the Trinity of Carnatic music.

Apart from its cultural heritage, Thanjavur is also known for its handicrafts, particularly its bronze statues and sculptures. The city has a long tradition of bronze casting, and many skilled artisans still practice this art form today. Thanjavur is also known for its unique style of painting, which features bright colors and bold outlines.

In recent years, Thanjavur has emerged as an important center for education and technology. The city is home to several prestigious institutions, including the Tamil University and the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology. These institutions have helped to promote the development of education and technology in the region and have contributed to the overall growth of Thanjavur.

In conclusion, Thanjavur is a city with a rich and varied history, and it is home to many magnificent temples, palaces, and monuments. The city’s cultural heritage, music and dance forms, handicrafts, and educational institutions make it a unique and vibrant place to visit. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s ancient temples or learning about its modern educational and technological developments, Thanjavur has something to offer for everyone.