Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex and Museum, Thanjavur

This magnificent palace is surrounded by huge fort walls and was the residence of Bhonsale family who ruled the Tanjore. The palace has Sadar Mahal, Durbar Hall, wonderful fresco painted walls and ceilings, tall observation towers, an underground tunnel and intricate carvings. The museum within the palace has rich collections of bronze icons, stone sculpture
The Thanjavur Maratha palace was originally constructed by the rulers of Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. After the fall of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom, it served as the official residence of the Thanjavur Maratha. When most of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed to the British Empire in 1799, the Thanjavur Marathas continued to hold sway over the palace and the surrounding fort. The Bhonsle family continued to hold on to the palace even after the last king Shivaji II was deposed as per the Doctrine of Lapse