Saraswati Mahal Library

We all know that Tanjore is very famous for "Brahadeeshwar temple" which stands as a symbol of our tamil culture. But Tanjore also has some of the other most amazing forts, palaces and other temples. Every year me and my family go to Tanjore and visit those amazing places to rejuvunate our souls and minds.

One such time, we had some time to explore new places and because I love books to the core, we visited this place called "Saraswati Mahal Library". It was the best decision I had ever made and the place was a must visit to all the book lovers and the persons who want to learn more about the tamil culture and the history.

Saraswati Mahal Library or Thanjavur Maharaja Serfojis Saraswati Mahal Library is located inside the Maratha palace very near to Brahadeeshwar Temple. As there are no sign boards, it is little difficult to find the place, so please get some help from the locals. It is one of the best historical libraries and a home to more than 50,000 volumes of medieval manuscripts.

Originally called the Saraswathi Bhandar, The Saraswati Mahal Library was started as a royal library for the private pleasure of the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur who ruled 1535 - 1675 AD. The Maratha rulers who captured Thanjavur in 1675 patronized local culture and further developed the Royal Palace Library until 1855. Most notable among the Maratha Kings was Sefoji II (1798-1832), who was an eminent scholar in many branches of learning and the arts. Since 1918, the Saraswati Mahal Library has been a possession of the state of Tamil Nadu. The official name of the library was changed to "The Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswati Mahal Library" in honour of the great royal marathon patron. It is also a designated 'Manuscript Conversation Centre' (MCC) under the National Mission for Manuscripts established in 2003.

              

The place is divided into two: 1. Library 

                                           2. Museum

The library part was not open when we visited and we only got to visit the museum. The museum is well maintained and they have displayed ancient manuscripts, illustrated manuscripts, portraits of the thanjavur Maratha kings, set of paintings depicting the resemblance between humans and various animals and birds, the book published in 1804 CE explaining various kinds of punishments given by the Chinese governments in those days, ancient books on medicine, wooden paintings, canvases etc. It holds awesome treasure of palm-leaf manuscripts. We can also see the paintings of Indian cities done by a Dutch traveller in 1795 CE.

A must visit place for history enthusiasts and ancient book lovers. We can take our kids to show our cultural values and inspire them for their future. It was the most enjoyable experience for my kid and hope you all visit and experience the same!