Thanjavur district General information

Thanjavur District is the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu.  The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world.   Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital.  Thereafter, it was ruled by Nayaks  and Maratta Kings, who nurtured art and culture.  The cultural, the architectural and the scholarly pursuits of these rulers are reflected in the great monuments like Grand Anaicut, Big Temple and Serfoji Mahal Library etc.  in the district.  

History

Thanjavur district stands unique from time immemorial for its agricultural activities and is rightly acclaimed as the Granary of the South India lying in the deltaic region of the famous river Cauvery and criss-crossed by lengthy network of irrigation canals, this coastal district abounds in green paddy fields, tall coconut groves, vast gardens of mango and plantain trees and other verdant vegetation.  Various testimonials available in the ancient Tamil literature referring to the Cauvery as possessing the sanctity of the Ganges in conformity with the legendry and mythological stories attributed to its divine origin, rightly point out why the river is popularly called the ' Mother Cauvery' and its sacredness is evident from 'Kaviri-Thala-Puranam'.  The river has also been named 'Ponni' because it is yielding 'pon' -Gold in the form of paddy.  That is why it is said with pride that every iota of the earth of Thanjavur is equal to an iota of gold.  The tillers in Tamil literature have been rightly called as 'Kauvirippudhalvars' - the sons of the Cauvery as they alone are worthy of this title for the rich production of grains in this fertile soil.  

Geography

The district is in Central Tamil Nadu bounded on the northeast by Nagapattinam District, on the east by Tiruvarur District, on the south by the Palk Strait, on the west by Pudukkottai District, and on the north by the river Kollidam, across which lie Tiruchirappalli and Perambalur districts.

Agriculture

This district lies at the Kaveri delta region, the most fertile region in the state.The district is the main Rice producing region in the state and hence known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Kaveri River and its tributaries irrigate the district. Apart from paddy, farmers here grow Coconut and Sugarcane and it is the largest producer of Coconut in Tamil Nadu.

Tourist Place

Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple: Built by the great Chola King, Raja Raja I in the 10th Century AD is an outstanding example of Chola architecture.

The Palace: The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas.

Art Gallery: In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.       

Saraswathi Mahal Library: In another section of the Palace is the library where over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in India and European languages are preserved.

Tamil University (7 Kms.): Established in 1981, is engaged in research and advanced study in Tamil.

Hall of Music: Also in the Palce is this acoustically perfect ancient music hall.

Schwartz Church: (In the Palace garden) Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev.C.V.Schwartz of the Danish mission.

Sivaganga Tank: Situated near the palace this tank is known for its sweet water.