The Importance of Thanjavur Inscriptions in Historical Research

The research paper titled "The Importance of Thanjavur Inscriptions in Historical Research" (வரலாற்று ஆய்வில் தஞ்சாவூர் கல்வெட்டுகளின் முக்கியத்துவம்) by Scholar R. Lavanya and Prof. S. Boobalan evaluates the structural historiography, epigraphical records, and socio-economic systems documented within the inscriptions of Thanjavur. Focusing primarily on the monumental Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar (Brihadisvara) temple constructed in 1010 CE, the study highlights how these stone archives serve as infallible primary sources that surpass secondary literary records due to their real-time accuracy. The authors analyze the administrative blueprints of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, evaluating their advanced land surveying practices, transparent fiscal taxation, and multi-tiered local body governance (Sabha, Ur, Nagar). Crucially, the paper explores the 'temple economy' paradigm, proving that the Peruvudaiyar temple operated not merely as a religious sanctuary but as a powerful financial and cultural institution that managed vast land tenures, distributed systematic wages, and supported hundreds of professional dancers, musicians, and craftsmen. Furthermore, the study tracks the historical continuity of Thanjavur’s epigraphy across successive eras, tracking the multi-lingual inscriptions (Tamil, Sanskrit, and Marathi) of the Nayak and Maratha rulers that archive a diverse, multi-cultural society. The paper concludes that the Thanjavur inscriptions elevate the discipline of history beyond dynastic military praise into an authentic, subaltern social archive of the Tamil civilization.