Thanjavur Maratha Palace
The Palace of Libraries and Bronzes
Overview
The Thanjavur Maratha Palace is a sprawling royal complex in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, begun by the Nayak rulers around the mid-16th century and later the seat of the Bhonsle Maratha dynasty that ruled Thanjavur from 1674 to 1855. Rather than a single building, it is a warren of courtyards, halls and towers that today houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest in Asia, the Thanjavur Art Gallery with its celebrated Chola bronzes, a Maratha durbar hall and a bell tower. MyTripMyTravel pairs it with the Big Temple on an escorted Thanjavur day.
The Thanjavur Maratha Palace is less a single palace than a layered institution, built by the Nayaks, inherited and extended by the Bhonsle Marathas, and now home to some of the finest collections in South India. It rewards visitors who come for its contents as much as its architecture.
Inside are the Saraswathi Mahal Library, among the oldest surviving libraries in Asia with tens of thousands of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts; the Thanjavur Art Gallery, whose Chola bronzes are as important as anything in the country; the vaulted durbar hall of the Maratha court; and the bell tower rising over the old town.
MyTripMyTravel sequences the palace with Brihadeeswarar Temple so a single escorted day reads Thanjavur in both stone and bronze, from Chola imperial worship to Maratha court life.
At a glance
Thanjavur Maratha Palace in brief
What to see
Highlights
Saraswathi Mahal Library
One of Asia's oldest libraries, holding tens of thousands of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts assembled by the Maratha kings.
Thanjavur Art Gallery
A collection of Chola bronze and granite sculpture ranked among the most important in India.
The durbar hall
The pillared, painted audience hall of the Bhonsle Maratha court.
The bell tower
The tall Goodagopuram tower rising over the old palace quarter.
Painted chambers
Surviving wall paintings and stucco in the royal residential halls.
Visitor information
Our tips
Prioritise the Art Gallery's Chola bronzes, they are the reason to come, beyond the architecture.
Check library timings; the Saraswathi Mahal closes on public holidays.
An expert guide connects the palace to Brihadeeswarar next door, Chola bronze and Chola stone in one day.
Good to know
Thanjavur Maratha Palace, your questions
Who built the Thanjavur palace?
It was begun by the Nayak rulers around the mid-16th century and became the seat of the Bhonsle Maratha kings, who ruled Thanjavur from 1674 to 1855 and gave it much of its present form.
What is inside the palace?
A warren of halls housing the Saraswathi Mahal Library, the Thanjavur Art Gallery of Chola bronzes, the Maratha durbar hall and a bell tower.
Why are the Chola bronzes important?
They are among the finest bronze sculptures in the world, the artistic peak of the same Chola civilisation that built the Big Temple next door.
How long do I need?
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the library, gallery and halls with a guide.
More in Thanjavur
Visit with us
See Thanjavur Maratha Palace, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Thanjavur Maratha Palace into a wider Thanjavur and South India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Thanjavur Maratha Palace
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.