 Scholars believe the name Thanjavur is derived from <unk> , a legendary demon in Hindu mythology . While the early history of Thanjavur remains unclear , the city first rose to prominence during the reign of Medieval Cholas when it served as the capital of the empire . After the fall of Cholas , the city was ruled by various dynasties like Pandyas , Vijayanagar Empire , Madurai Nayaks , Thanjavur Nayaks , Thanjavur Marathas and the British Empire . It has been a part of independent India since 1947 . 
