This journal features Thanjavur (aka Tanjore), a busy commercial town (pop about 215,000) 175 kms SW of Pondicherry that is often overlooked by travelers. However, it’s history & treasures - among them the Brihadishwara Temple, Tamil Nadu’s most awesome Chola monument, & the world’s finest Chola bronze collection - give it crucial significance to South Indian culture.

Thanjavur attained prominence under the Chola rulers who dominated South India between the 9th & 14th centuries. According to the known ... (more)