Introduction

About 2 kilometer (1.25 miles) to the northeast of the Brihadeeswara temple is the erstwhile stronghold of the Nayak kings, the Vijayanagara Fort dating back to early 1550 AD. Built partly by the Madurai Nayaks and the Maratha rulers, the great fort houses the Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Saraswati Mahal Library, Shiv Ganga garden, and an art gallery that has an array of ancient sculptures and paintings. The structure was conceived by Nayak ruler, Vijay Raghav to protect the Tanjore Palace from enemy attacks. Today, a section of the fort is open to visitors, though most of it is in a dilapidated state.

On the east main street, you will pass an assortment of buildings of fine masonry before arriving at the large quadrangular courtyard of the Tanjore Palace. It leads you into a long pillared corridor at the end of which is a small inner courtyard that opens up to an alcove. Appreciate the sanctum tower or vimana that is 190-foot-high (57 meter) with 8-tiers. In its heyday, it served as the palace watchtower and also as the armory of the Thanjavur rulers. The palace was refurbished and expanded by Maharaja Serfoji II along with the armory.

Within are two Durbar Halls of the Nayaks and the Marathas each, and the Raja Serfoji Saraswathi Mahal which houses a vast collection of over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts on palm leaf and paper. This includes some rare Sanskrit and other vernacular manuscripts on palm leaf, and several thousand printed volumes. The Nayak and Maratha kings put together this library to house a collection spanning over three hundred years of their rule. Look up the six-tiered spire, Madamaligai that soars above the palace beyond the vimana.

Unfortunately, the pillar was struck by lightening and it came down. But restoration work followed close on the heels. Browse the Sangeetha Mahal or the Music Hall, a miniature representation of the surviving court of King Thirumalai Nayak. Further on, continue to the royal museum and look out for a motley collection of memorabilia ranging from royal outfit, jewelry, wooden furniture, hunting weaponry, head gear, the great Sanskrit epic Ramayana written on palm leaf, glass paintings, to statues from the Pallava and Chola dynasties. Don’t miss out the metal sculptures from the Chola and Nayak dynasties of Hindu gods and goddess’, most remarkable of them is the depiction of Lord Shiva as a pauper, called Bhikshatanamurti. You will also come across social pictures like that of a typical household, its interiors, the societies, and the way of life of common men. The Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum offers great insight into life during the early Chola rule.

The Nayak Hall is where the art gallery is housed. It displays a world of artifacts from the Chola dynasty during the 8th and 9th centuries. Notice the bronze and granite statues; they are a testimony to the excellent craftsmanship of that age. Later, you can scale up the bell tower for a panoramic view of this ancient city.

Special Attributes

The art gallery and museum offer great insight into life during the early Chola rule.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take an auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw or a tourist cab from the city center.

Enjoyed by

Art, Architecture and History Lovers

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can visit the Big Temple from here.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Keep at least half a day at hand to explore the fort complete with its art gallery and museum.

Type of site

Fort/Art Gallery/Royal Museum/Library