Thanjavur in South India

Thanjavur is a fascinating cultural melting point and was once considered India’s cultural capital. Over the centuries it’s been home to the cultural, architectural and scholarly pursuits of some of India’s greatest ruling dynasties, including the Cholas, Nayaks, and the Hindu warrior caste of Maratha, who nurtured art. You can see this reflected in the city’s grand monuments, temples and libraries, and within homegrown artisan workshops. Thanjavur is also considered the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, as its surrounding paddy fields grow much of India’s rice and crops.