TNPSC Group 1 · Unit II – History of Tamil Nadu: Medieval Period – Maratha Rule in Tamil Nadu
Maratha Rule in Tamil Nadu – TNPSC Group 1 Current Affairs & Static Connect
Thanjavur Saraswati Mahal Library’s Maratha-era Manuscripts Digitisation Project Highlighted in Cultural Ministry Report
The Ministry of Culture’s 2025 annual report highlighted the ongoing digitisation of over 60,000 Maratha-era manuscripts at Thanjavur Saraswati Mahal Library, originally built under Thanjavur Maratha rulers especially Serfoji II (1798–1832). The library is one of Asia’s oldest and houses rare palm-leaf and paper manuscripts in Sanskrit, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu, reflecting the composite cultural patronage of Maratha rulers in Tamil Nadu.
GS Paper II – History, Art and CultureMaratha Rule → Thanjavur Saraswati Mahal Library → Serfoji II’s Cultural Contributions
ASI Undertakes Conservation Work at Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex Ahead of Heritage Tourism Push
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commenced major conservation work at the Thanjavur Maratha Palace (Aranmanai) in June 2025. The palace was the seat of the Thanjavur Maratha dynasty founded by Venkoji (Ekoji) in 1676, half-brother of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The palace complex includes the Saraswati Mahal Library, Rajarajan Manimandapam, and the Sangeetha Mahal, representing the administrative and cultural legacy of Maratha rule in Tamil Nadu.
GS Paper II – History and Culture of Tamil NaduMaratha Rule → Thanjavur Maratha Palace → Venkoji (Founder)
Tamil Nadu Government Celebrates ‘Serfoji II Cultural Legacy Week’ Recognising Maratha Contributions to Tamil Arts
The Tamil Nadu government organised a week-long cultural programme in June 2025 to commemorate Serfoji II’s contributions to Tamil literature, Bharatanatyam, and medicine. Serfoji II established the Dhanvantari Mahal (medical institution), promoted Bharatanatyam through the Tanjore Quartet (Chinnaiah, Ponnaiah, Sivanandam, Vadivelu), and patronised the compilation of Saraswati Mahal manuscripts. His reign is considered the golden phase of Thanjavur Maratha cultural administration.
GS Paper II – Art, Culture and History of Tamil NaduMaratha Rule → Serfoji II → Tanjore Quartet → Bharatanatyam Revival
TNPSC Syllabus Review Committee Reaffirms Maratha Administration’s Place Under Medieval Tamil Nadu History Module
The TNPSC syllabus review committee in its June 2025 meeting reaffirmed the inclusion of Maratha administrative structure in Tamil Nadu under the Medieval History module. Key administrative facts confirmed for examination: Thanjavur Maratha rulers followed a decentralised revenue system, maintained amicable relations with Mughal and later British authorities, and Pratap Singh (1739–1763) was known for strengthening the military administration of the Thanjavur kingdom.
GS Paper II – Polity and Administration (Historical Context)Maratha Rule → Administrative System → Pratap Singh → Revenue and Military Administration
Numismatic Exhibition in Chennai Features Rare Thanjavur Maratha Coins Shedding Light on Economic History
A numismatic exhibition held at the Government Museum Chennai in June 2025 displayed rare coins issued by Thanjavur Maratha rulers, providing evidence of their independent monetary system. Coins bore bilingual inscriptions in Marathi and Tamil, reflecting administrative integration. The exhibition reinforced the historical fact that Thanjavur Maratha rule (1676–1855) ended when the British annexed the kingdom after the death of Sivaji II in 1855 under the Doctrine of Lapse applied by Governor-General Dalhousie.
GS Paper II – Economic and Political History of Tamil NaduMaratha Rule → End of Thanjavur Maratha Dynasty → Doctrine of Lapse → British Annexation 1855
How to Use in Exam
For TNPSC Group 1, always remember the chronological order: Thanjavur Nayaks (1532–1676) → Thanjavur Maratha Rule begins with Venkoji in 1676 → Key ruler Serfoji II (1798–1832) for culture → British annexation under Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse in 1855. Questions frequently appear on Tanjore Quartet, Saraswati Mahal Library, and the founder Venkoji’s relationship with Shivaji. Connect Maratha cultural contributions to Bharatanatyam revival for Art and Culture questions.
