The history of metal art in South India is of great antiquity, and this is a living art to this day. This is kept alive by ingenious craftsmen who have preserved the ancient texts about the method of preparation, and also the contemplative hymns or "Dhyana Slokas" which describe the forms of individual icons.
The earliest specimen in metal in Tamilnadu is the prehistoric figure of a mother-Goddess from Adhichchanallur.
We dont have any metal image from the Sangam Age. But the present line of bronze casting starts from the Pallava times (400 A.D.). But it was during the Chola times(900 A.D.), that the art and craftsmanship of bronze-casting attained its maximum glory. After a period of 300 hundred years, the craft degenerated.
The forms of Chola bronzes are very plastic. They are devoid of intricate ornaments and designs. They are very expressive. There is grace, elegance, beauty, and above all else - life.
thanjavur bronze
Thanjavur Palace
The Palace The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas.
thanjavur palace
Art Gallery
Art Gallery In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.
art gallery
Saraswathi Mahal Library
Saraswathi Mahal Library In another section of the Palace is the library where over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in India and European languages are preserved.Visiting Times: 9.00 - 13.00 hrs and 14.00 - 17.00 hrs.Wednesday Holiday.
tamil university
Tamil University
Tamil University (7 Kms.) Established in 1981, is engaged in research and advanced study in Tamil.
