Thanjavur is renowned for her great art, culture and literature for over ten centuries. Successive generations of the Chola, the Nayaks and the Marathas have enriched its cultural heritage. The Cholas contributed their magnificent temples, sculptures and paintings to enrich the culture of the Tamil. The Brihadeshwara Temple is the symbol of the patronage of art by the Chola dynasty.
The Sarasvati Mahal Library is one such institutions. It was started during the reign of Raghunatha Nayak when it was known as “Saraswati Bhandar” which later became the Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal Library and Research Centre. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia.
The Sarasvati Mahal Library stands as a prestigious institution housing a vast collection of manuscripts, maps, paintings, and ancient books. Regarded as one of the marvels of the world, it is undeniably a valuable repository of knowledge. The profound impact of the great Cholas, the scholarly contributions of the Telugu Nayak Kings (1535-1675), and the intellectual endeavors of the Maratha Kings (1675 to 1855) who governed the Thanjavur principality over the centuries have significantly enriched Tamil culture. Serfoji II the best that both the east and west had to offer. He was a great lover of art and ardent collector of books, Manuscripts etc. He is largely responsible for the priceless collection of books, manuscripts and other artifacts available in the library. Rajah Serfoji, a polymath, has further enhanced this esteemed legacy with his linguistic prowess and refinement. The library's manuscripts, written on palm leaves and paper, in various languages like Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi and Tamil which cover a wide array of subjects including Philosophy, Medicine, Astrology, Grammar, Folklore, and Mythology. Serving as a hub of knowledge, it provides research scholars and students with a vast reservoir of literary wealth for their academic pursuits. Scholars from across India and beyond frequent the library to access information for their studies and research. In order to disseminate the knowledge contained in these manuscripts, the library publishes books and offers editing services by esteemed scholars.
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