The Thanjavur Maratha Palace was built originally by the Nayak kingdom of Thanjavur. “Wow” would be the word when you look at the ancient building and the colors in it is an added bonus to the view. The palace is a series of huge and spectacular buildings of fine architecture and masonry. History says that the palace was built by the Nayaks around 1550 A.D and partly by the Marathas when the kingdom fell into the hands of the Marathas and later on the palace became the official residence of the Bhonsle family, who ruled from 1674-1855.

There is a vimana (tower) like building on the southern side of the third quadrangle known as the Goodagopuram,. It is 190 feet high with eight floors and served as the palace’s watchtower and the armory of the Tanjore Kings until 1855 A.D.

Curious to know what does the palace hold inside? Well, the palace complex contains of the Sadar Mahal Palace, the Queen’s courtyard and the Durbar Hall. The Sadar Mahal Palace holds the Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and the Royal Palace Museum.

There is also a small bell tower inside and the Asia’s oldest library “Saraswathi Mahal Library” is inside the palace’s complex.

Thanjavur Palace – Ancient and Remarkable!