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 history, the Cholas ruled over Thanjavur for about one thousand years. (Thanjavur was also the capital of the Mutharayar & Maratha empires when they were at the peak of their power.) Since then, Thanjavur has been one of the chief political, cultural & religious centers of South India.

Under the Chola rulers, Thanjavur became the cradle of Tamil Culture, & the inhabitants have successfully continued their historic talents in the field of art, literature, drama, music & dancing. Also known for their rich cultural & religious fervor, the residents of this close-knit community live in close harmony with each other, regardless of religion. They celebrate & attend each others’ fairs & festivals in large numbers with a sense of mutual respect.

The Cholas were not only excellent rulers but also mighty builders who erected a large number of exquisite temples, some of which constitute the finest specimens of architecture in India today. Thanjavur district has about 90 ancient Chola temples, the most famous - Brihadishwara Temple In Thanjavur city - plus 3 other Chola temples in the area, have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage monuments.

Another significant distinction is that Thanjavur District is the ‘Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’, rightly acclaimed as the ‘Granary of South India’. It is said with pride that “every iota of the earth of Thanjavur is equal to an iota of gold’.

For more info, check this site, especially the tabs listed ‘tourism’ & the excellent photo gallery: http://thanjavur.nic.in/