Legend has it that the ancient town of Thanjavur came up on the spot where Vishnu defeated an evil demon. The mighty Cholas made it their capital in the 9th century CE, following which they increased, through conquests, the size and strength of their empire. Finally, after realizing all his military ambitions, the Chola monarch Raja Raja Chola I decided to build a great temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thanjavur became home to the majestic Brihadeeswara temple and many other shrines. Amar Chitra Katha tells the stories surrounding this ancient town and its monuments.
The History Of TamilNadu Kings (Cholas,Nayakas) and accomplishments during their rule,with the Brief history of The Great Maratha warrior Chatrapathi Shivaji,his son Dharmaveer Sambhaji, their spiritual guru Samartha Ramdas and their visit to Tamilnadu has been included . Thanjavur was ruled by Maratha kings for 180 years and they had a vast accomplishments in many fields and were scholars themselves.History of Thanjavur Marathas has been included. King Serfoji II who was a Bibliophile developed arts,culture and literature and one of the present world largest library, SARASWATI MAHAL is named after him. Brief historical detail on Indian Classical art form-Bharatanatyam has also been written. The founder of Maratha rule in Thanjavur (TamilNadu) was King Venkoji alias Ekoji, founded in 1676 A.D. Details of all kings who ruled after him and their works and accomplishments in the field of arts,literature,culture,dance,drama, science,medicines,Engineering,ship building etc which they did in those days (300 years back) with a brief detail on Maratha Royal family of Thanjavur, Sadar Mahal Palace has been included. Thanjavur Maratha Kings were the patron of arts, learning and many scholars and artists were flourished during their reign. Trip to Thanjavur,TamilNadu (India) is incomplete without visiting Remarkable places of Raja Raja Chola’s Brihadeshwara temple and Thanjavur Maharaja’s Serfoji Saraswati Mahal Library (TMSSML).Brihadeshwara Temple and Saraswati Mahal Library are the imperishable and living monuments of Raja Raja Cholan and King Serfoji II. “The Tanjore Country is celebrated all over the world for its charities.It is called Dharma Raj-and I consider this reputation,which reverts upon me through all countries from this appellation as the most honorable distinction of my rank”- Raja Serfoji.
The book contains the cultural history of Thanjavur. Histories of the various rulers and of the Big Temple are woven into a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that is Thanjavur.
Presenting the grand sweep of Indian history from antiquity to the present, A History of India is a detailed and authoritative account of the major political, economic, social and cultural forces that have shaped the history of the Indian subcontinent. Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund provide a comprehensive overview of the structural pattern of Indian history, covering each historical period in equal depth. Fully revised throughout, the sixth edition of this highly accessible book has been brought up to date with analysis of recent events such as the 2014 election and its consequences, and includes more discussion of subjects such as caste and gender, Islam, foreign relations, partition, and the press and television. This new edition contains an updated chronology of key events and a useful glossary of Indian terms, and is highly illustrated with maps and photographs. Supplemented by a companion website (www.routledge.com/cw/kulke), it is a valuable resource for students of Indian history.
Follows the author's 2,500km journey through Southern India. This work has elements of the travelog but is infused with perspicacious insights into the people and culture of India. It also captures the contradictions of India and its long history, the embracing of the modern in the landscape of the past.