Thanjavur

Overview

Thanjavur, also spelt Tanjore, is a city in the central part of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Thanjavur district and lies in the fertile delta of the Kaveri river, an area historically referred to as the "rice bowl of Tamil Nadu". The city is best known as the imperial capital of the Chola dynasty during the medieval period and as the home of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key facts

Geography

Thanjavur is situated on the plains of the Kaveri delta in eastern Tamil Nadu. The surrounding region is intensively cultivated, with paddy as the predominant crop, supported by an extensive network of canals fed by the Kaveri and its distributaries. The city lies inland, roughly equidistant from the larger urban centres of Tiruchirappalli to the west and the coastal town of Nagapattinam to the east.

History

Early period

The earliest history of Thanjavur is associated with the Mutharaiyar chieftains, who ruled the area before being supplanted by the Cholas. The city rose to prominence in the 9th century CE when Vijayalaya Chola captured it and made it his capital, marking the beginning of the imperial Chola revival.

Chola capital

Under successive Chola rulers, Thanjavur became the political, religious and cultural heart of a maritime empire that extended across South India and parts of Southeast Asia. Rajaraja I (reigned c. 985–1014 CE) commissioned the Rajarajeswaram, now known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, which was completed around 1010 CE. The temple is one of the largest in India and a leading example of Dravidian architecture. His son Rajendra Chola I later shifted the capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, though Thanjavur retained its importance.

Later dynasties

After the decline of the Cholas, Thanjavur came under the Pandyas and subsequently the Delhi Sultanate's southern offshoots. In the 16th century it became the seat of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom, founded as a feudatory of the Vijayanagara Empire, with rulers such as Sevappa Nayak and Raghunatha Nayak patronising Tamil and Telugu literature.

In the 17th century, the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was established by Venkoji (Ekoji), half-brother of Shivaji. The Maratha rulers, including Serfoji II (reigned 1798–1832), were notable patrons of art, music, medicine and learning, and expanded the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which preserves manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi and other languages.

Colonial and modern period

Thanjavur passed under British paramountcy in the late 18th century, and the kingdom was annexed in 1855 under the Doctrine of Lapse. After Indian independence in 1947 it became part of Madras State, which was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969. The city is today administered as a municipal corporation and serves as the headquarters of Thanjavur district.

Culture

Thanjavur is a major centre of classical Tamil culture. It is closely associated with Carnatic music and is the birthplace of the celebrated Tanjore Quartet of the 19th century, who systematised the modern repertoire of Bharatanatyam. The city also gives its name to:

• Tanjore painting, a classical South Indian style noted for gold-leaf work, gemstones and devotional themes.
• Tanjore plates (thanjavur thalai), repoussé metal art in silver, brass and copper.
• The Thanjavur veena, a traditional stringed instrument with Geographical Indication recognition.
• Bobbili-style and Thanjavur-style bommai (doll) traditions, including the colourful Thanjavur thalaiyatti bommai (bobblehead dolls).

Economy

The economy of Thanjavur is closely tied to agriculture, with rice milling, sugar processing and related agro-industries forming the principal base. Handicrafts, particularly metal art plates, paintings and musical instruments, contribute to local livelihoods and tourism. Tourism centred on the Brihadeeswarar Temple, the royal palace complex and the Saraswathi Mahal Library is a significant component of the urban economy.

Education and institutions

• Tamil University, a state university dedicated to research in Tamil language and culture, established in 1981.
• SASTRA Deemed University, located near the city.
• Thanjavur Medical College, one of the older medical colleges in Tamil Nadu.
• The Saraswathi Mahal Library, dating to the Nayak and Maratha periods, holds a significant collection of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts.

Transport

Thanjavur is connected by rail and road to the major cities of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur Junction lies on the Southern Railway network, with services linking it to Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and other centres. National and state highways pass through the city, and the nearest major airport is at Tiruchirappalli.

Landmarks

• Brihadeeswarar Temple – Chola-era Shiva temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1987, as part of the "Great Living Chola Temples").
• Thanjavur Maratha Palace – complex housing royal residences, the Durbar Hall and the art gallery.
• Saraswathi Mahal Library – manuscript library within the palace complex.
• Sangeetha Mahal – music hall associated with the Nayak and Maratha courts.
• Schwartz Church – 18th-century church associated with missionary C. F. Schwartz.

Significance

Thanjavur is widely regarded as one of the principal cradles of Tamil civilisation. Its temples, palaces and library collections document over a millennium of continuous artistic, religious and scholarly activity, and the city remains an important reference point in the history of South Indian architecture, classical dance, music and painting.

Related topics

• Brihadeeswarar Temple
• Chola dynasty
• Rajaraja I
• Thanjavur Maratha kingdom
• Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Tanjore painting
• Bharatanatyam
• Carnatic music
• Tamil Nadu
• Kaveri river

References

• Wikidata entity Q41496 – Thanjavur.
• UNESCO World Heritage List – Great Living Chola Temples.
• Government of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur district administration publications.