Situated at a distance of two kilometers from the Brahadeeswarar temple, this fort is located in the city of Thanjavur, TamilNadu.
Not only popular in Thanjavur, but one of the famous historical monuments in the history of India. The fort was built in the early 1550’s. All Nayakers, who ruled Thanjavur during 15th and 17th century, except Sevappa Nayakker were Vaishnavaites. They were the pioneers after the Cholas, in geting installed the famous Library Saraswathi Bhanda, now is known as Thanjavur Serfoji Saraswathi Mahal Library and Research Centre. That Library was entirely meant for the royal folk and later during the period of Serfoji, it was opened for the general public. It was the Vijayanagar Nayakkers who strengthened the fort , surrounding Thanjavur,after the fall of Chola dynasty to prevent the intrusion of Dutch, French, Mohammedan and British invaders. Out of ever so many Nayakkers, Sevappa Nayakker, who followed SAIVISM and had artisitc bent of mind, needs mentioning. He built the” Kantha Kottam” i.e. Murugan Temple inside the Big Temple, which is on par with the sculptural niceties of the great Chola Dynasty, particularly Rjaraja Chloan.
Most part of the fort is ruined and only some parts are open to tourists.