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
|