Some interesting aspects of My Native

Thanjavur, popularly known as Tanjore, is a historically significant city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has a rich history spanning over a thousand years and is well-known for its contributions to art, architecture and culture.Thanjavur's history dates back to the Chola dynasty, which was one of the longest-ruling empires in southern India. The Cholas were well-known for their great conquests, maritime trade, and artistic patronage. Thanjavur was the Chola empire's capital from the ninth to thirteenth century.

Thanjavur flourished as an art and architecture hub throughout the Chola period, with spectacular temples and constructions being built. The Brihadeeswarar Temple, popularly known as the Big Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Thanjavur's most recognizable structures. The temple, built in the 11th century by King Rajaraja Chola I, is well-known for its high vimana (temple tower) and elaborate sculptures.After the Chola dynasty fell, Thanjavur was ruled by a number of other dynasties, including the Pandya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara Empires. However, the city underwent a cultural revival under the rule of Thanjavur's Nayakas in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Nayakas were noted for their sponsorship of literature, music, and dancingand painting, contributing to the evolution of the Carnatic music tradition.

Thanjavur reached its peak during Maratha control in the 17th century, when it became the capital of the Bhonsle dynasty. The Marathas, led by King Serfoji II, upheld the tradition of patronizing the arts and cultures. The Maratha palace complex, popularly known as Thanjavur Maratha Palace, is another important site in the city.Today, Thanjavur is a cultural hotspot, attracting visitors and researchers from all over the world to explore its rich history and traditions. It remains a prominent center for classical music, dancing, and traditional crafts, carrying on the traditions of its storied past.

Thanjavur thrived as a center of art, literature, and scholarship under Maratha administration. King Serfoji II was a patron of study who founded the Sarasvati Mahal Library in Thanjavur, one of Asia's oldest libraries. The library has a large collection of ancient manuscripts and palm leaf manuscripts in several languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, and Marathi, making it a valuable resource for researchers and historians.In addition to its cultural and artistic accomplishments, Thanjavur was a significant trading and commercial hub. The city's advantageous location on the banks of the Kaveri River encouraged trade with other parts of India and beyond. Thanjavur was especially well-known for its silk weaving industry, which produced gorgeous silk sarees known as Tanjore silk sarees.

Thanjavur's cultural significance spread beyond its bounds, influencing art, architecture, and literature throughout India. The Brihadeeswarar Temple, in particular, served as a model for temple architecture in various parts of South India, leaving an indelible mark on Indian temple architecture.Thanjavur thrives today as a traditional arts and crafts center. The city is well-known for its bronze casting, where artisans masterfully create exquisite bronze sculptures utilizing age-old skills passed down through generations. Thanjavur paintings, which include brilliant colors and meticulous detailing, are likewise highly valued as works of art.
Overall, Thanjavur's rich history and cultural legacy make it an intriguing destination for history buffs, art lovers, and tourists, providing a glimpse into South India's magnificent past.

Here are some other fascinating elements of Thanjavur:
Thanjavur is commonly known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu" due to its vast agricultural grounds and huge rice cultivation. The region's excellent soil and sufficient water supply from the Kaveri River make it suitable for rice cultivation, which contributes heavily to Tamil Nadu's agricultural economy.Tanjore Painting: Thanjavur is famous for its distinct style of painting known as Tanjore painting. Tanjore paintings, which date back to the 16th century, are distinguished by its vibrant colors, elaborate designs, and use of gold foil to enhance the artwork. Themes generally include religious figures, mythological settings, and regal portraits, which reflect the region's cultural past.Sangeetha Mahal (also known as they