Author, researcher and dancer Lakshmi Vishwanathan is presenting a series of lectures to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Tanjavur. It is timed with the celebrations of 1000 years of the Sri Brihadiswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Lakshmi herself hails from a family with deep roots in Thanjavur and she says that the talks will bring to the notice of modern scholars, writers and enthusiastic lay persons the great history of Thanjavur.

She says, "The fact that the Big Temple of Thanjavur built by the greatest Chola king Raja Raja I in the tenth century is celebrating one thousand years in our landscape has inspired many to sing the praise of a famous civilization. A series of dynasties enriched the Tanjavur culture right up to the modern era. Thus Tanjavur is an essential part of South Indian culture. It is a living culture which influences many aspects of life even today."

Lakshmi Vishwanathan's series of talk shows, lectures, demonstrations and performances in the coming months will touch on a wide range of topics that include: Art and architecture of Brihadiswara temple, Thanjavur, Raja Raja Cholan - the able administrator, Thanjavur as a seat of Music, Thanjavur under three royal dynasties, Dance in Tanjavur – from Raja Raja Chola to Serfoji's time, Thanjavur’s distinctive cuisine, Weaving and Crafts of Thanjavur, Poets and Composers of Thanjavur, Film stars from Thanjavur and Thanjavur today – the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.

The events in Chennai begin on September 12. Some of them will be for invited guests and some will be open to the public. Like the Sept.15 evening at Kalakshetra where Lakshmi introduces the art and archaeology of Thanjavur followed by a talk by scholar Dr. Satyamurthy on this subject.

On Sept.16, at the Full Circle bookshop on Chamiers Road (Chamiers store campus) Lakshmi and V. Sriram presdent a talk on - From Tanjore to George Towne - A Cultural Journey.

On Sept.26, 10 a.m. onwards at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, there will three lec-dems on aspects like Tamizh Bhakti fostered by Raja Raja Chozan, Thanjavur, Dance Legacy of Tanjore and Thanjavur as the Seat of Music. These will be given by scholars.

More info can be had from Lakshmi Vishwanathan at : lakshmi.vishwanathan44@gmail.com