There are many places in India where history has chosen to chisel its reminiscences on time. These historical places stand, towering over the vagaries of time, as enduring arcs between the past and posterity. Some of these places have also been the cradle and nursery of the country's finest art and culture that remain a living testimony to the abiding creativity, aesthetic ingenuity and proficient craftsmanship of the ancient Indians. Thanjavur, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is one such place.

The very name `Thanjavur' invokes to the mind's eye images of grandeur and opulence. Prominent among them is the magnificent 10^th century AD Brihadeeswara temple, popularly known as the Big Temple, that stands majestically crowned by a massive 200 ft 81.3 ton round monolithic cupola, the shadow of which never falls on the ground. Besides this architectural marvel, Thanjavur also quarters other historical monuments such as the Vijayanagar fort and the palace of the Maratha king Sarfoji II—monuments that remain as the indelible recordings of the contributions of various kings to Thanjavur's exquisite and elaborate architectural and cultural heritage.

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