Thanjavur is famous for its temples, rice fields, handicrafts and Carnatic music. Also known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, this city was the political capital of the Chola, the Nayaka and the Maratha dynasties. It was mainly during the Chola reign that lasted from the 9th century till the 13th century that Thanjavur attained its political significance. The classical music of South India, Carnatic Music that is religious in nature and uses several musical instruments to create melody and rhythm originated here in Thanjavur. The main attractions in Thanjavur are the Sri Brihadisvara Temple, the Royal Palace and the famous Thanjavur paintings.
Sri Brihadisvara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola dynasty and was completed in AD 1010. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An amazing example of Chola architecture, this temple basement has inscriptions that have historical value in that they give valuable details on the administration, revenue as well as the society at that time. A huge statue of Nandi guards the sanctum sanctorum. The walls of the inner shrine are decorated with frescoes belonging to the Chola and Nayaka eras. These paintings were discovered beneath the disintegrating Maratha paintings f the 17th century.
The Royal Palace, built in the shape of a flying eagle, was built by the Nayaka dynasty but was reworked by the Maratha dynasty. The seven-storeyed observation tower, the intricately decorated but huge Durbar Hall built by the Maratha ruler Shahji II and the Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery form the attractions of this Royal Palace in Thanjavur. The famous Thanjavur Paintings were patronized by the Maratha ruler Serfoji II. Highly ornamental, decorative and colourful, these paintings have religious themes and highly symbolic colours that represent particular deities. Most of the subjects have round bodies and faces and almond-shaped eyes.
Sri Brihadisvara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola dynasty and was completed in AD 1010. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An amazing example of Chola architecture, this temple basement has inscriptions that have historical value in that they give valuable details on the administration, revenue as well as the society at that time. A huge statue of Nandi guards the sanctum sanctorum. The walls of the inner shrine are decorated with frescoes belonging to the Chola and Nayaka eras. These paintings were discovered beneath the disintegrating Maratha paintings f the 17th century.
The Royal Palace, built in the shape of a flying eagle, was built by the Nayaka dynasty but was reworked by the Maratha dynasty. The seven-storeyed observation tower, the intricately decorated but huge Durbar Hall built by the Maratha ruler Shahji II and the Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery form the attractions of this Royal Palace in Thanjavur. The famous Thanjavur Paintings were patronized by the Maratha ruler Serfoji II. Highly ornamental, decorative and colourful, these paintings have religious themes and highly symbolic colours that represent particular deities. Most of the subjects have round bodies and faces and almond-shaped eyes.
