Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, is a municipality and the headquarters of the Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The name Thanjavur is derived from "Tanjan", a legendary asura in Hindu mythology. Thanjavur is one of the ancient cities in India and has a long and varied history dating back to the Sangam period. The town was founded by Mutharayar king Swaran Maran and rose to prominence during the rule of the Later Cholas when it served as the capital of the Chola empire. After the fall of the Cholas, the city was ruled by various dynasties like Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks,Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas and British. It has been a part of independent India since 1947.
Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian art and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples which are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among the Great Living Chola temples, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the center of the city. Thanjavur is also the home of the Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region.
Places to See:
Sri Bragadeeswarar Temple
Built by the great Chola King, Rajaraja.1 in the 10th century AD is an outstanding example of Chola architecture.
The Palace
The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas.
Art Gallery
In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Timings 9 am to 1 pm, 2.pm to 6 pm.
Saraswathi Mahal Library
In another section of the palace is a library where over 30,000 palm leaves and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages are preserved Timings 10 am to 1 pmand 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
Hall of Music
Also in the Palace is the acoustically perfect ancient music hall.
Royal Museum
Located in the palace complex, this museum has mixed collections like manuscripts, weapon dresses, Utensils, Musical instruments used by the Royal Family of Thanjavur.
Schwartz Church
Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev. C.V.Schwartz of the Danish Mission.
Sivaganga Tank
Near the Palace is this tank known for its sweet water.
Rajagopala Beerangi
A very big Beerangi is there in Thanjavur East Kothalam (ramport)of the Fort. The place is called 'Beerangi Medu'. It has been remarked as "Dasmedu". Once upon a time that place was used as a Bell announcement stage.
Sharja Madi
It is located in the Palace complex. It is opened for Tourists. One can have panaromic view of Thanjavur city. The wooden Sculptures are inside the Sharja Madi.
Rajarajan Mani Mandapam
During the 8th World Tamil Conference this is Mandapam was built. It is having a small garden with Children's-play materials.
Rajarajan Museum
Raja Rajan Museum is functioning for the benefit of the Tourists. Located in the Main mandapam ground floor, it is under the control of the State Archaeological Department.
Tholkappiyar Sadukkam
During the 8th World Tamil Conference, this Sadukkam(Square) was built. One can have a panaromic view of Thanjavur Town from the Tower.
Mariamman Temple (Punnai Nallur)
This Temple located 6 kms. away from Thanjavur is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. It is one of the local temples in Thanjavur which attracts Domestic Tourists.
Excursions...........
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