It was a Chola capital from the 9th to the 11th century. It was also an important site of power during the Vijayanagara empire. The Thanjavur District itself covers about 8300sq km of land and is one of the most fertile plains of the Cauvery delta. It is one of the most important rice-growing in India. The delta is traversed by irrigation canals some of which go back up to 10 centuries. Thanjavur District is known as the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu
