Thanjavur, Ancient capital city in Tamil Nadu, India
Thanjavur sits in the center of the Cauvery Delta region and shows wide streets with traditional Tamil houses and large temples at many corners. The old town clusters around the palace complex, while newer districts stretch south and west, connecting residential areas with markets and schools.
This settlement served as the capital of the Chola dynasty from the 9th to the 13th century and grew into a center of South Asian culture and power. After the Chola period ended, Nayak rulers took control in the 16th century and renewed the palace along with many religious structures.
Local workshops produce bronze figures through the lost wax method, while other craftsmen paint delicate miniatures on ivory and wood. These art forms pass through generations and shape daily life through small shops and studios in residential neighborhoods.
The nearest international airport sits in Tiruchirapalli, roughly 59 kilometers away, with regular bus and train services linking the two cities. Auto-rickshaws and local buses help move around inside the city, with many points of interest within walking distance from the palace area.
The Brihadeeswara Temple holds an 80-ton granite block at its summit, placed there in the year 1010 without modern equipment. Builders used an earth ramp several kilometers long to move the stone to a height of roughly 66 meters (217 feet).
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