NAME OF THE THANJAVUR

One the famous kings of South India who ruled his kingdom with Tanjore as his capital city. He was a vassal under Pallavas. After Vijayalaya Chola conquered Tanjore defeating the Muttarayar chieftains around 850, the Pandyas went into a period of decline. Vijayala Chola defeated Perumbidugu Muttarayar and captured Tanjavur. As a result of this defeat of Muttarayar chiefs, Cholas became so powerful that Pallavas were also wiped out from Thanjavore region at a later stage.

There is a reference to Perumbidugu - Muttaraiyan II who attended the coronation of Nandivarman Pallavamlla. One of the titles of the Muttaraiyar was Lord of Tanjore. The Mutharaiyars were known to build some famous Shiva temples in and around Tanjavur. They were also known as the first builders of forts in Thanjavoor.

The city name " Thanjaur" seems to be derived from the name of a Mutharayar king "Thananjay" or "Dhananjaya". "Thananjayarayar" is one of the surnames of Mutharayar clans as per the research paper published by chola-Mutharayar research center, Tanjore. The original name "Thananjaya Ur" might have gradually modified to "Thanjavoor". The legend which says that city was named after a demon "Tanjan" seems to be a cooked up story by Hindu Vaishnava high class priests, who were most probably anti-buddhist & anti-Mutharayars. For more details, please visit web page on "cities" at Mudiraja on-line research website