Bhonsle of Thanjavur

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Bhonsle of Thanjavur	The Bhonsles of Thanjavur were a Maratha dynasty that ruled a kingdom in southern India, centred on the Kaveri delta, from the late seventeenth century until 1855. Their legacy includes the development of Thanjavur Palace, artistic patronage and the expansion of the Sarasvati Mahal Library. The Bhonsles of Thanjavur were a branch of the Maratha Bhonsle family, distinct notably from the Nagpur branch. Their rule was established around 1674 to 1676 by Ekoji I, also known as Venkoji, a half brother of Shivaji. A commander serving the sultanate of Bijapur, Ekoji established a regional monarchy amid the conflicts surrounding the collapse of Nayak authority in Thanjavur. The kingdom occupied principally the Kaveri delta, in present day Tamil Nadu. Its towns included Thanjavur, the capital, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Mannargudi and Pattukkottai. Possessions around Karaikal, now part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, progressively passed to the French from 1739. Southern borderlands adjoining Ramnad and Pudukkottai were frequently contested. Although connected by origin to other Maratha powers, this branch pursued its own political interests. Its rulers negotiated and fought with Madurai, the nawabs of Arcot, Mysore and European companies. The occupation of Thanjavur in 1773 temporarily interrupted Tuljaji’s reign. In 1799, Serfoji II transferred territorial administration to the British while retaining royal dignity and limited rights. Following Shivaji II’s death in 1855, the remaining possessions were annexed. In architectural history, the dynasty is associated with the Thanjavur palace complex. Originally constructed under the Nayaks, it was occupied, expanded and embellished during Bhonsle rule. It therefore combines features from several periods, including audience halls, residential spaces, painted decoration and facilities connected with scholarly activity. The designation “Maratha Palace” does not imply that the entire complex was built by this dynasty alone. Bhonsle patronage fostered a multilingual court culture using Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit. The rulers supported Carnatic music, drama, painting and dance traditions that contributed to the formation of modern bharatanatyam. Serfoji II notably expanded the Sarasvati Mahal Library, inherited from the Nayaks, and encouraged education, printing and medical knowledge. The economy depended largely on irrigated rice cultivation and land revenue from the delta. These resources financed administration, cultural patronage, religious establishments and charitable institutions. The dynasty remained Hindu throughout its history but also provided support to Muslim and Christian institutions. India • \|1674/1855\| • Bhonsle of Thanjavur dynasty

Term

Definition

The Bhonsles of Thanjavur were a Maratha dynasty that ruled a kingdom in southern India, centred on the Kaveri delta, from the late seventeenth century until 1855. Their legacy includes the development of Thanjavur Palace, artistic patronage and the expansion of the Sarasvati Mahal Library.

The Bhonsles of Thanjavur were a branch of the Maratha Bhonsle family, distinct notably from the Nagpur branch. Their rule was established around 1674 to 1676 by Ekoji I, also known as Venkoji, a half brother of Shivaji. A commander serving the sultanate of Bijapur, Ekoji established a regional monarchy amid the conflicts surrounding the collapse of Nayak authority in Thanjavur.

The kingdom occupied principally the Kaveri delta, in present day Tamil Nadu. Its towns included Thanjavur, the capital, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Mannargudi and Pattukkottai. Possessions around Karaikal, now part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, progressively passed to the French from 1739. Southern borderlands adjoining Ramnad and Pudukkottai were frequently contested.

Although connected by origin to other Maratha powers, this branch pursued its own political interests. Its rulers negotiated and fought with Madurai, the nawabs of Arcot, Mysore and European companies. The occupation of Thanjavur in 1773 temporarily interrupted Tuljaji’s reign. In 1799, Serfoji II transferred territorial administration to the British while retaining royal dignity and limited rights. Following Shivaji II’s death in 1855, the remaining possessions were annexed.

In architectural history, the dynasty is associated with the Thanjavur palace complex. Originally constructed under the Nayaks, it was occupied, expanded and embellished during Bhonsle rule. It therefore combines features from several periods, including audience halls, residential spaces, painted decoration and facilities connected with scholarly activity. The designation “Maratha Palace” does not imply that the entire complex was built by this dynasty alone.

Bhonsle patronage fostered a multilingual court culture using Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit. The rulers supported Carnatic music, drama, painting and dance traditions that contributed to the formation of modern bharatanatyam. Serfoji II notably expanded the Sarasvati Mahal Library, inherited from the Nayaks, and encouraged education, printing and medical knowledge.

The economy depended largely on irrigated rice cultivation and land revenue from the delta. These resources financed administration, cultural patronage, religious establishments and charitable institutions. The dynasty remained Hindu throughout its history but also provided support to Muslim and Christian institutions.

Bhonsle of Thanjavur

Glossaries

India • |1674/1855| • Bhonsle of Thanjavur dynasty

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