The heritage buildings of Thanjavur town are unique and proud possessions and all efforts should be made to protect them, said Irai Karkuzhali, an architect.
Delivering a special lecture on the topic ‘heritage buildings of Thanjavur' under the auspices of the Besant Literary Forum here on Sunday, Ms. Karkuzhali called for a people's movement to preserve our heritage.
Ms. Karkuzhali, author of the book on Heritage buildings in Thanjavur, dealt with the history of Thanjavur town and the landmark buildings created during various regimes. “The royal dynasty that ruled Thanjavur started with Mutharayars. Then came the Cholas. There was a period of intrusion by Pandyas when the town was completely demolished. Nayaks, ie Sevappa Nayak, first king Nayak dynasty reconstructed the town. After the rule of Nayaks, Marattas came and ruled Thanjavur. British rule came even as Marattas were ruling Thanjavur,” she explained.
The heritage buildings she showed in her power point presentation are “Upparigai” at Manojipatti. Built by Manoji Rao, Army general of Maratta dynasty, Raanee's clock tower adjacent to old bus stand is yet another heritage building built in 1883 when Serfoji II, ruled Thanjavur. The elegant hexagonal tower has the clock fitted on it with marble framework. The clock was brought from London. The clock used to chime once upon a time but it remains defective. Fleet of steps leading to the top inside the tower are also dilapidated.
The clock tower carries a plaque saying 14 persons went from Thanjavur for the First World War between 1914 and 1918 out of whom four died.
R.Thiyagarajan, President of Besant Literary Forum, said that as a continuity yet another lecture will be held in June by another expert on art and cultural history of Thanjavur.
C.Iraivan, former Municipal chairman, C. Muthukumar from Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Meenakshi Sundaram of Kannadasan Peravai, Subramaniam, secretary of Besant Literary Forum, also spoke.
'The royal dynasty that ruled Thanjavur started with Mutharayars. Then came Cholas'
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