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Tanjore’s Rich Heritage: Unveiling the Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji

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ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमःॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः 

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Saraswathi Mahal Library, also known as Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Saraswathi Mahal Library is a library located in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamilnadu, India.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

The Library is one of the oldest libraries in Asia established during 16th century by the Nayakas of Thanjavur and has on display a rare collection of Palm leaf manuscripts and paper written in Indian classical languages  Tamil and Sanskrit and a few other languages indigenous to India.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )
Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

The collection comprises well over 49,000 volumes, though only a tiny fraction of these are on display.

The library has a complete catalog of holdings, which is being made available online. Some rare holdings can be viewed on site by prior arrangement.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

History

The Saraswathi Mahal library was started by Nayaka Kings of Tanjavur as a Royal Library for the private intellectual enrichment of Kings and their family of Thanjavur (see Nayakas of Tanjore) who ruled from 1535 CE till 1676 CE.

Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )
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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

The Maratha rulers who captured Thanjavur in 1675 promoted 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.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

In his early age Serfoji studied under the influence of the German scholar 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 in Northern India and other far-flung areas.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

During 1918 the Saraswathi Mahal Library was open to public. The Library is located within the premises of Tanjavur palace.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

Efforts

The library is open to the public. It also supports efforts to publish rare manuscripts from the collection, as well as ensuring all volumes are preserved on microfilm.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

The Library has installed computers in 1998 for the computerisation of Library activities. As a first phase, the Library catalogues are being stored in the computer for easy information retrieval. It is also proposed to digitalise the manuscripts of this Library shortly.

The Collection

The bulk of the manuscripts (39,300) are in Tamil and Sanskrit. Manuscripts number over 4500, comprising titles in literature and medicine.

The Library has a collection of 3076 Marathi manuscripts from the South Indian Maharastrian of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. This includes the hierarchy of the Saints of Maharashtra belonging to Sri Ramadasi and  Dattatreya Mutts.

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Saraswathi Mahal Library of Thanjavur ( Tanjore )

The Marathi manuscripts are mostly on paper but a few were written in Telugu script on palm-leaf. There are 846 Telugu manuscripts in the holdings, mostly on palm leaf.

There are 22 Persian and Urdu manuscripts mostly of 19th century also within the collection.

The library also holds medical records of Ayurveda scholars, including patient case studies and interviews in the manuscripts classified under the Dhanvantari section.

Apart from these manuscripts there are 1342 bundles of Maratha Raj records available at the Library.

The Raj records were written in the Modi script (fast script for Devanagari) of the Marathi language. These records encompass the information of the political, cultural and social administration of the Maratha kings of Thanjavur.

Some of the rare books and manuscripts

  • Dr. Samuel Johnson’s dictionary published in 1784
  • The pictorial Bible printed in Amsterdam in the year 1791
  • The Madras Almanac printed in 1807
  • Lavoisier’s Traité Élémentaire de Chimie (“Elements of Chemistry”)
  • The notes of Bishop Heber on Raja Serfoji II
  • The correspondence letters of William Torin of London who purchased a lot of books for Raja Serfoji II and the Saraswathi Mahal Library
  • Ancient maps of the world
  • Town planning documents of Thanjavur including the underground drainage system, the fresh water supply ducting system

Library Museum

Efforts were made to microfilm and catalogue the contents way back in 1965 when Indira Gandhi was Information and Broadcasting Minister, Government of India.

Mrs. Gandhi sanctioned the fund for the library’s development. After Mrs. Gandhi no efforts were made to scan the documents and computerise the documents using present day technology.

The Library is also a designated ‘Manuscript Conservation Centre’ (MCC) under the National Mission for Manuscripts established in 2003.

Digitization Efforts

The Saraswathi Mahal Library has embarked on significant digitization projects to preserve its extensive collection of manuscripts and rare books. This initiative aims to safeguard these valuable texts from deterioration while making them accessible to a global audience. Digital archives allow researchers and enthusiasts worldwide to explore the rich literary heritage of the library without physical constraints.

Research Opportunities

The library is a treasure trove for scholars and researchers, particularly in the fields of Indology, history, and linguistics. Its vast collection includes rare manuscripts in Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi, and other languages, providing unique insights into ancient texts and historical documents. Researchers can delve into areas such as classical literature, ancient sciences, and traditional medicine, benefiting from the library’s unparalleled resources.

Cultural Impact

The Saraswathi Mahal Library plays a pivotal role in promoting Tamil and Sanskrit literature, enriching the cultural landscape of the region. It serves as an educational hub, inspiring local communities and students to engage with their literary heritage. The library’s efforts in organizing literary events, exhibitions, and lectures further contribute to preserving and propagating traditional knowledge and cultural practices.

Visitor Information

For those interested in visiting, the Saraswathi Mahal Library offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at its collection and history. The library is open to the public during specific hours, and visitors can explore its exhibitions and special events. Detailed visitor information, including opening hours and tour schedules, can be found on the library’s official website or by contacting the library directly.

Conservation Techniques

Modern conservation techniques are employed to preserve the ancient manuscripts and books housed in the Saraswathi Mahal Library. These methods include climate-controlled storage, careful handling protocols, and the use of archival-quality materials for repairs. Conservation experts continuously work to ensure that these priceless documents remain intact for future generations, combining traditional preservation methods with contemporary scientific approaches.

Historical Significance

The Saraswathi Mahal Library is not only a repository of ancient manuscripts but also a testament to the scholarly pursuits of the Nayak and Maratha rulers of Thanjavur. Established during the reign of the Nayak dynasty and expanded under the Marathas, particularly Maharaja Serfoji II, the library reflects the intellectual and cultural exchanges that occurred in South India from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Unique Collections

In addition to manuscripts, the library houses rare prints, maps, paintings, and artworks that provide a comprehensive view of historical and cultural narratives. The collection includes works on medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and various arts, demonstrating the interdisciplinary knowledge that was cultivated and preserved.

Community Engagement

The library actively engages with the local community through educational programs, workshops, and collaborations with schools and universities. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper appreciation for heritage and encourage younger generations to participate in the preservation and study of their cultural history.

Future Plans

Looking forward, the Saraswathi Mahal Library plans to expand its digital archive and develop virtual reality experiences that allow users to explore the library’s treasures interactively. These innovations aim to enhance the accessibility and educational impact of the library, reaching a broader audience worldwide.

How to Reach Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur

  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ), approximately 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thanjavur.
  2. By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, the library is a short rickshaw or taxi ride away.
  3. By Road: Thanjavur is accessible via National Highways and state buses. Private cabs and buses are available from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Madurai.
  4. Local Transport: Once in Thanjavur, you can use local transport options like auto-rickshaws, taxis, or buses to reach the library. It is centrally located and well-known among locals, making it easy to find.

Ensure to check the opening hours and any visitor guidelines before planning your visit.


Spread India's Glorious Cultural & Spiritual Heritage

By Mala Chandrashekhar

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