History

As seen from historical records and archaeological evidence, the region of modern Tamil Nadu and other parts of southern India appear to have been inhabited since Paleolithic times. In Medieval times (8th-13th century CE) the history of this region was dominated by the influence of powerful dynasties like the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas who vied for control over the region. Each of these dynasties contributed significantly to South Indian culture, trade, and architecture, especially temple building, and shaped South India's distinctive cultural, linguistic, and architectural landscape for centuries to come.

 

While the Imperial Cholas, particularly Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I were primarily responsible for the building of the Brihadishwara temple in Thanjavur, there were many other dynasties that had a great influence on the temple and its history as presented below.

 

• Pallavas (reign: 275 – 897 CE)

  • Ruled a significant portion of the central south Indian peninsula.

  • Noted for rock-cut temples with square pillars.

  • Developed the Pallava script which served as parent script for several modern-day scripts, such as Chola-Pallava, Tamil and Grantha that are seen in the inscriptions throughout the Brihadishwara temple.

 

• Pandyas* (reign: 4th-3rd c. BCE – 13th-14th c. CE)

  • Two periods of imperial dominance: 6th-10th c. CE but fell into a slow decline with the rise of the Cholas; 13th - 14th c. CE following the demise of Chola rule in the 13th century (specifically around 1279) when the Thanjavur area came under the rule of the Pandyas.

  • The Pandyas are celebrated in the earliest available Tamil poetry.

 

• Cheras* (reign: 3rd c. BCE – 5th c. CE)

  • Ruled western portions of South India (present day Kerala)

  • Renowned for trade in spices and iron and early steel works.

 

• Cholas* (Reign: Early Cholas – 600 BCE – 300 CE; Imperial Cholas – 848 CE – 1070 CE; Later Cholas – 1070-1279 CE) (link to section 2.1)

 

*The three great dynasties, Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas, played a dominant role in shaping Tamilikam (the ancient Tamil country), in Southern India. While they frequently waged war against each other and shifted political and military dominance, these dynasties created an early integrated identity for South Indian people through language, culture and architecture.

 

• Thanjavur Nayakas (reign: 1572-1673)

  • Group of South Indian dynasties emerging after the fall of Vijayanagara.

  • Promoted Tamil and Telugu literature, and music.

  • Contributed significantly to post Chola shrines and art in the Brihadishwara temple.

  • Built several other significant temples.

 

• Thanjavur Marathas: (reign: 1674 – 1855)

  • Expanded from the west, challenging Mughal and other regional powers.

  • The Thanjavur Maratha kingdom (a principality of Tamil Nadu) was ruled by the Bhonsle dynasty.

  • Added outer gateway and several shrines to the Brihadishwara temple complex.