The Saraswathi Mahal library 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 patronised local
culture and
further developed the Royal Palace Library until 1855. Most notable
among the Maratha Kings was Serfoji II
(1798–1832), who was an eminent scholar in many branches of learning
and the arts. In his early age Serfoji studied under the influence of
the German Reverent Schwartz, and learned many languages including
English,
French, Italian and Latin. He enthusiastically took special interest in
the enrichment of the Library, employing many Pandits to collect, buy
and copy a vast number of works from all renowned
Centres of Sanskrit learning.
The Collection:
The bulk of the manuscripts are in Sanskrit.Other than this there
are manuscripts in Tamil, Marathi, Telugu,Urdu and Persian covering
subjects like literature, music,medicine.The manuscripts are mostly on
paper but a few were written in on palm-leaf. The library also
holds medical records of Ayurveda scholars, including patient case
studies and interviews in the manuscripts classified under the
Dhanvantari section.
These records also furnish information on the political, cultural and social
administration of the Maratha kings of Thanjavur.
 |
| Entry into the Library - Entrance is free but no cameras allowed inside |
 |
| Paintings at the entrance foyer |
 |
| The Maratha Bell Tower located in the same campus |
 |
| Foundation Pillars of the Maratha Bell Tower |
I remember the time we visited this place..Wonderful photographs :-)
ReplyDeleteSome incredible buildings! That library puts the one in my neighbourhood to shame! How interesting that the manuscripts on the palm leaves have survived all these years...
ReplyDeleteSamo wejście i hol są przepiękne i cudownie kolorowe. Bell Tower to wspaniała budowla. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteThe entry and lobby are beautiful and wonderfully colorful. Bell Tower is a magnificent building. Yours.
Beautiful pictures! I remember visiting this place! I remember seeing many old manuscripts too!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful.
Interesting place. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeletethe bell tower is fantastic.. and so is the painting, all that detail is beautiful
ReplyDeleteWow, such an interesting place with unique style and colors. I wish camera could be allowed!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous structure and thanks for sharing about the history.
ReplyDeleteLoves the colors on the library but that bell tower is so inviting because of its grandeur.
ReplyDeletecool bell tower
ReplyDeleteamazing painting. like the bell tower a lot!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colors and patterns at the library entrance, looks like a great place to visit!
ReplyDeleteThe interiors have lovely colors. Exteriorly, a dab of paint would make it eye catching. And I love those white pillars.
ReplyDeleteI had visited this place and am yet to blog on this. Great pics here.
ReplyDeleteinteresting place and its history...
ReplyDeletethanks
This library is incredible place. The collection that they have is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of my visit.
I haven't been able to go to this place .. I don't regret it now as I did so visiting your post. Beautiful captures Ramakrishnan
ReplyDeleteLovely building the colors and paintings are beautiful. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteInteresting account. I am sure that India is full of such treasures.
ReplyDelete