Serfoji Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur
Located in campus of the Royal Palace of Thanjavur, it is one of the oldest libraries in World. The library has exceptional collection of books, manuscripts, paintings and other valuable items. This library was started sometime between 1535 - 1675 AD by the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur. From 1875 the Maratha rulers further developed this library until 1855.
Most notable among the Maratha Kings was Serfoji II. He took special interest in the enrichment of the Library. He employed many learned people to collect vast number of works from all renowned Centers of learning. As a tribute to the Great Collector Serfoji, the Library has been named after him.
The library has a rare collection of palm leaf, and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Over 80% of its manuscripts are in Sanskrit. The manuscripts on palm leaves are very unique. There are manuscripts covering a wide area of literature, music and medicine. Some of the manuscripts are from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
A Museum is located in the Library building and one can see some of these items on display. This Museum is small but organized into sections highlighting ancient manuscripts, printed copies of the original drawings, paintings.
50 comments:
What an incredible place, our libraries are so new and uninspired, often in strip malls.
This sounds like a marvelous library with a very impressive collection. The building itself is very imposing.
Marvelous pictures. Very striking.
This is marvelous to see that such an old library has remained intact after so long! Ours were confiscated during the french revolution and their precious collections dispersed throughout the world...and sometimes burnt!
Now this must e a place wroth visit. I am endlessly fascinated by manuscripts, and ancient ones will always entice me.
xoxo
Wow! That is an incredible place! I'd love to see those palm leaf manuscripts! And the museum is a wonderful idea, too. It's all so huge!
Though I had been to Thanjavur, Saraswathi Mahal could not be visited. Thanks for giving details of the exhibits thereat.
Been to Thanjavur but not visited this library. Must make a note to visit next time.
I wish I could be there
Wow - that is the most magnificent library I've ever seen!
Very nice!
beautiful photos. Happy sky watching.
Skywatch
So interesting, Rajesh. The old manuscripts must be astonishing.
Impressive building and the collection is fantastic!! Boom & gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
What an incredible library, Rajesh! Great shots as always! Hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia
Such a beautiful country.
Now this ruler sounds like my kind of man! Anyone who was interested in literature and learning and established libraries should be remembered favourably by history! (I am a bibliophile ;-)
Lovely captures.
Interesting to visit the museum, we can learn so much about the past history. Have a nice weekend.
Very interesting post and nice shots of this old library.
Regards and best wishes
wow!It's rare enough to find manuscript and here you have a library full of it,
any mention of Malaysia in those old scripts?
Hi Rajesh, it sure is a cool looking library. Great photos. Happy Skywatching!
Wow.. This is a very nice place to visit. Beautiful photos.
Beautiful library, I would like to visit.
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Sou encantada com a arquitetura do seu país... essa biblioteca é magnífica!!!
Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil
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My dream place. Oh I wish to be here. Happy weekend. :)
These are very good pictures. I like looking at them.
Hey Rajesh, I have nominated you for the versatile blogger award. Hope you would like it. :)
http://akkishaki.blogspot.com/2012/01/versatile-blogger-award.html
Are the palm-leaf manuscripts shaped like leaves or have they been trimmed?
Shadowy Hummingbird Heaven
What beautiful architecture! I find the idea of using palm leaves for manuscripts fascinating.
Such a stylish piece of architecture! Enjoyed the details of this post, especially the information about the use of palm leaves!
I would definitely love to spend hours in here!
More beautiful buildings. The intricate work on all of them just amazes me. Mickie :)
Thank you all for appreciating the ancient library.
Impressive details and capture! Must check next time if visiting Thanjavur.
Beautifully composed shot!
A very nice shadow shot tour of this great land.
What fantastic architectural shots, lovely study of texture and tones.
Great shot. I like first picture. Greetings
what a beautiful place, tall buildings too :-) Thank you for sharing. Visiting from MYM, hope that you can return the visit too.
http://www.mommies2ks.com/2012/01/pajama-day-at-school.html
Quite amazing. Interesting that the writings on the palm leaves are still around. I'd think they would disintegrate with time.
An awesome structure!
Yellow & Blue
Oh my gosh, I would LOVE to have gone there with you to visit. One of the oldest libraries in the world...wow, that would just put me in awe!!!
My Monday Post if you'd like to stop by to visit...is:
THEY CALL ME MELLOW YELLOW
such an amazing place. I would love to visit that and see those ancient books.
Beautiful structures. Have a fabulous week.
Liz @ MLC
What a beautiful place..So interesting..
Visiting for MYM! Hope you can stop by:)
http://www.heavenly-dreams.com/green-mango-pickled/
Very great that many old South Indian libraries are the granaries of old Sanskrit literature.As usual,nice photos.
A library that looks like a temple :)
That is a treasure building, I would love to see that ancient manuscript in person someday.
beautiful and awesome :)
Thank you all for appreciating the ancient library.
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