Royal Museum and Maratha Durbar

Another significantly important place at Thanjavur is the Royal Museum, seeing its place within Thanjavur Palace. The Museum showcases the items used by the royal family such as weapons, costumes, and musical instruments. The Royal Museum is located well behind the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Other important collectibles to see are the Wooden Camphor boxes, Locks, Elephant’s Ankush, Utensils, Weapons, Chariot, etc.

Along the Sangeet Mahal is the Maratha Durbar Hall, which is a large hall with a courtyard. It was probably used as an official court by the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur. The hall was believed to be built by Sahaji back in the year 1684. At the front is the mandapa, having wooden lean to the reef covered with tiles. The ceiling of the hall sees the painting with ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. A stunning thrown of wood decorated with glass work sees its place on a granite platform. The Durbar hall houses beautiful stone sculptures from the Chola period, which are dated between the 8th and 15th centuries. This place is a must-visit on your trip to Thanjavur.