Saraswathi Mahal Library

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The Saraswathi Mahal Library is situated within the premises of the Thanjavur Maratha Palace in the heart of Thanjavur. The library has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the Nayak period in the 16th century. It was later enriched and expanded under the Maratha rule in the 17th century, particularly during the reign of Serfoji II. The library was established by the Nayak rulers and further developed by subsequent rulers, including the Marathas. The Maratha kings played a significant role in augmenting the collection of manuscripts and books. Saraswathi Mahal Library is known for its extensive collection of manuscripts, books, and artifacts. It houses a diverse range of materials in various languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, and others. The library is particularly renowned for its vast collection of ancient manuscripts on subjects such as literature, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and more. Some of the manuscripts are rare and valuable. In addition to manuscripts, the library also preserves rare printed books, many of which are considered priceless due to their historical and literary significance. The library is organized into different sections, each dedicated to specific subjects or types of materials. The sections include the Manuscript Section, the Rare Books Section, the Rajarajan Collection, and more. While the library is a valuable resource for researchers and scholars, it is also open to the public. Visitors can explore the library and view some of its treasures. Saraswathi Mahal Library is an integral part of Thanjavur's cultural heritage and represents the intellectual richness of the region. The library is under the administration of the Tamil Nadu Government. Efforts are made to preserve and maintain the priceless collection, and ongoing initiatives focus on digitization to ensure the conservation of manuscripts.

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