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.
What an incredible place, our libraries are so new and uninspired, often in strip malls.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a marvelous library with a very impressive collection. The building itself is very imposing.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous pictures. Very striking.
ReplyDeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteNow this must e a place wroth visit. I am endlessly fascinated by manuscripts, and ancient ones will always entice me.
ReplyDeletexoxo
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!
ReplyDeleteThough I had been to Thanjavur, Saraswathi Mahal could not be visited. Thanks for giving details of the exhibits thereat.
ReplyDeleteBeen to Thanjavur but not visited this library. Must make a note to visit next time.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be there
ReplyDeleteWow - that is the most magnificent library I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos. Happy sky watching.
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So interesting, Rajesh. The old manuscripts must be astonishing.
ReplyDeleteImpressive building and the collection is fantastic!! Boom & gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible library, Rajesh! Great shots as always! Hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Such a beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteNow 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 ;-)
ReplyDeleteLovely captures.
Interesting to visit the museum, we can learn so much about the past history. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post and nice shots of this old library.
ReplyDeleteRegards and best wishes
wow!It's rare enough to find manuscript and here you have a library full of it,
ReplyDeleteany mention of Malaysia in those old scripts?
Hi Rajesh, it sure is a cool looking library. Great photos. Happy Skywatching!
ReplyDeleteWow.. This is a very nice place to visit. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful 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. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are very good pictures. I like looking at them.
ReplyDeleteHey Rajesh, I have nominated you for the versatile blogger award. Hope you would like it. :)
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Are the palm-leaf manuscripts shaped like leaves or have they been trimmed?
ReplyDeleteShadowy Hummingbird Heaven
What beautiful architecture! I find the idea of using palm leaves for manuscripts fascinating.
ReplyDeleteSuch a stylish piece of architecture! Enjoyed the details of this post, especially the information about the use of palm leaves!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely love to spend hours in here!
ReplyDeleteMore beautiful buildings. The intricate work on all of them just amazes me. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating the ancient library.
ReplyDeleteImpressive details and capture! Must check next time if visiting Thanjavur.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully composed shot!
ReplyDeleteA very nice shadow shot tour of this great land.
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic architectural shots, lovely study of texture and tones.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot. I like first picture. Greetings
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful place, tall buildings too :-) Thank you for sharing. Visiting from MYM, hope that you can return the visit too.
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Quite amazing. Interesting that the writings on the palm leaves are still around. I'd think they would disintegrate with time.
ReplyDeleteAn awesome structure!
ReplyDeleteYellow & 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!!!
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful structures. Have a fabulous week.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ MLC
What a beautiful place..So interesting..
ReplyDeleteVisiting for MYM! Hope you can stop by:)
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Very great that many old South Indian libraries are the granaries of old Sanskrit literature.As usual,nice photos.
ReplyDeleteA library that looks like a temple :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a treasure building, I would love to see that ancient manuscript in person someday.
ReplyDeletebeautiful and awesome :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating the ancient library.
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