Friday, May 6, 2016

Thanjavur Maratha Palace – Durbar Hall & Sangita Mahal

Thanjavur Maratha Palace – Durbar Hall & Sangita Mahal
The Maratha Durbar Hall has stripes on the octagonal columns and ornate designs on the arches. Portraits of several Maratha rulers including Serfoji can be seen in this hall. The walls are adorned with images of gods and goddesses like Shiva and Vishnu with their consort and Indra and other familiar figures.




The Sangita Mahal, where music and dance flourished under the patronage of the kings, is a miniature of the surviving court of Thirumalai Nayaks. Durbar Hall is the main attraction in Thanjavur Maratha Palace. It was renovated and reconstructed in the current structure by the Maratha King Venkoji in 1684 CE. 





There are actually two courtyards, smaller one and the larger one. The smaller one has the wooden roof and an adjoining garden. The larger courtyard has colorful paintings and stucco sculptures from Nayakas and Marathas all over the walls and ceilings.






The paintings make the durbar hall look like a colorful art gallery. The royal throne of the Maratha Kings is also placed in the Durbar Hall. This is the royal court hall, which currently houses the Thanjavur Art Gallery.









Entrance Fees & Timings

Timings
Entrance Fee
Holiday
10.00 am to 5.45 p.m.
Adult Rs.2.00, Child Re.1.00.
No holiday