The Art Gallery at Thanjavur displays a grand collection of bronze idols, paintings, stone sculptures and other artifacts belonging to the Chola Empire that existed in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu, the south-Indian state. Established in 1951, the gallery is set in the background of the Nayak palace buildings. The Cholas were great admirers of arts and crafts, as is evident from the towering temples here with beautiful murals and intrinsic sculptures.