Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore,[1] is the headquarters of the Thanjavur District in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Scholars believe the name Thanjavur to have been derived from “Tanjan”, a legendary asura in Hindu mythology. While the early history of Thanjavur remains unclear, the town first rose to prominence during the reign of the Medieval Cholas when it served as the capital of the Chola empire. After the fall of the Cholas, the town was ruled by various dynasties like Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas and the British Empire. It has been a part of independent India since 1947.
Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which areUNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the center of the town. Thanjavur is also the home of the Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region. The town is an important agricultural center located at the heart of the region, known as the “Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu”. Thanjavur is administered by a special grade municipality covering an area of 36 km2 (14 sq mi) and had a population of 215,314 in 2001.
Thanjavur is a city of Chola rulers and it gained popularity during the Chola period between 11th and 14th centuries. 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 graThe 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 Cauvery 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.
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.
