Thanjavur

Thanjavur
Name	Thanjavur
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	10.78, N, 79.14, E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Tamil Nadu
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Thanjavur district
Established title	Founded
Established date	9th century CE
Founder	Mutharaiyar chieftains
Government type	Municipal Corporation
Governing body	Thanjavur Municipal Corporation
Area total km2	128.02
Elevation m	88
Population total	222,943
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Tamil
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	613xxx
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	04362
Registration plate	TN-49
Website	thanjavurcorporation.org

Thanjavur. A major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it serves as the administrative headquarters of Thanjavur district. Renowned as the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty, the city is a global cultural and architectural landmark, epitomized by the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple. Often called the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu," its fertile Kaveri River delta supports a robust agrarian economy alongside a rich heritage in Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and classical arts.

History

The region's early history is associated with the Mutharaiyar chieftains, but its golden age began when Vijayalaya Chola captured it in the 9th century, establishing it as the capital of the Chola Empire. Under monarchs like Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, the empire expanded across South India and Southeast Asia, with the city becoming a premier center of Dravidian architecture, administration, and Tamil literature. Following the Chola decline, it was ruled by the Pandya dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Madurai Nayak dynasty. In the 17th century, the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was established by Venkoji, a half-brother of Shivaji, whose descendants ruled until the British East India Company took control following the Anglo-Maratha Wars. The city's scholarly tradition flourished under Serfoji II, a Maratha ruler and patron of the Saraswathi Mahal Library.

Geography and climate

The city is located in the heart of the fertile Kaveri Delta on the southeastern coast of India. It lies approximately 314 kilometers south of Chennai and 56 kilometers east of Tiruchirappalli. The flat alluvial plains are irrigated by a network of canals from the Kaveri River, including the Grand Anicut built by the Chola king Karikala. The climate is classified as tropical, with hot summers, a significant monsoon season influenced by the Northeast monsoon, and mild winters. The surrounding region is prone to cyclonic storms from the Bay of Bengal.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India, the city had a population of 222,943. The majority of residents are Hindus, with significant minorities of Muslims and Christians. Tamil is the official and most widely spoken language. The city has a high literacy rate, above the state average, supported by numerous historic educational institutions. The demographic profile reflects its status as a traditional cultural and religious center, attracting pilgrims and scholars.

Economy

The economy is historically agrarian, with the region being a major producer of rice, earning its "Rice Bowl" epithet. Other important crops include sugarcane, banana, and mango. The city is also a hub for handicrafts, notably the distinctive Thanjavur painting style, Thanjavur art plates, and the manufacturing of the Thanjavur veena and mridangam musical instruments. A growing tourism sector, centered on the Brihadeeswarar Temple and the Thanjavur Palace, contributes significantly. Small-scale industries include metalworking and textile production.

Culture and landmarks

The city is a premier center of South Indian culture. The Brihadeeswarar Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola I, is a masterpiece of Chola architecture and a symbol of the city. Other major landmarks include the Thanjavur Maratha Palace complex, housing the Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Sangeetha Mahal. The city is a cradle of Carnatic music, associated with the Trinity of Carnatic music and the Thanjavur style of Bharatanatyam. Festivals like the annual Thanjavur Mahamaham and the Sangeetha Mahal music festival are major events. The Tamil University promotes research in Tamil studies.

Administration and politics

The city is administered by the Thanjavur Municipal Corporation, headed by a Mayor. It is the district headquarters of Thanjavur district and part of the Thanjavur (Lok Sabha constituency) and the Thanjavur (State Assembly constituency). The city's politics have historically been influenced by regional parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, as well as national parties such as the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Key administrative offices include the district collectorate and the Tamil Nadu Police headquarters.

Transport

The city is well-connected by road and rail. National Highway 83 and National Highway 36 pass through the city. The Thanjavur Junction railway station is a major railhead on the Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways, with connections to major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Tiruchirappalli. The nearest domestic airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 65 kilometers away. Local transport is served by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses and auto-rickshaws.

Category:Cities in Tamil Nadu Category:Former capital cities in India