Thanjavur Maratha Palace

The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, known locally as Aranmanai, today is the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855. It is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Thanjavur Maratha Palace
Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex
General information
Location	Thanjavur, Tanjore region, India

Thanjavur Maratha palace, 2008

History

The Thanjavur Maratha palace was originally constructed by the rulers of Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. After the fall of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom, it served as the official residence of the Thanjavur Marathas. When most of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed by the British Empire in 1799, the Thanjavur Marathas continued to hold sway over the palace and the surrounding fort or walled city. The Bhonsle family continued to hold on to the palace even after the last king, Shivaji of Thanjavur.

Constituents

The palace complex consists of the Sadar Mahal Palace, the queen's courtyard and the Durbar Hall. The Royal Palace Museum contains a splendid collection of Chola bronzes. The Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and the Royal Palace Museum are situated in the Sadar Mahal Palace. There is also a small bell tower. The Saraswathi Mahal Library is situated with the Thanjavur palace complex. The Chandramouleeswarar temple also is located within the premises.

Gallery

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  Thanjavur Palace Interior
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  Courtyard of the palace
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  A cannon at the palace
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  An Entrance of the palace
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  Palace pyramidal tower
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  Bell tower

See also

• Ambavilas Palace (Mysore Palace) of the Wodeyars
• New Palace, Kolhapur of the Bhonsle Chhatrapatis
• Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara of the Gaekwads
• Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior of the Scindias
• Rajwada, Indore of Holkars
• Shaniwar Wada, Pune of the Peshwas

References

• Joe Bindloss; Sarina Singh (2007). Country Guides - India. Lonely Planet. pp. 1084. ISBN 978-1-74104-308-2.