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 Thanjavur
- About a thousand years ago, Thanjavur was the capital
of the powerful Chola dynasty. Today, it is the little town
set amidst the lush green rice fields of the Cauvery delta.
Magnificent temples, still bear witness to the splendour of
Chola architecture.
Thanjavur's crowning glory is its Brihadeeshwara temple with
its 66.5 m high'srivimana' dominating the city. The
monolithic granite block that forms a cupola on the top,
weighs 81.3 tonnes, reflecting the architectural prowess of
the Chola builders.
Thanjavur is an established centre of learning and its
Saraswati Mahal Library instituted by the Maratha ruler
Serfoji, hasan extensive collection of over 30,000
manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books.
In January, the Thiruvaiyaru Music Festival is held in
honour ofthe composer and saint Thyagaraja. It attracts
eminent musicians andconnoisseurs of Carnatic music.
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