Sarasvati Mahal Library A Short History and Guide (Marathi)

The Sarasvati Mahal Library is a renowned institution and repository of manuscripts, maps, paintings and old books. This Library is a centre where research scholars and students community find immense source of literary wealth for their research work. The Library Manuscripts are in palm leaf and paper and they deal with various subjects on Philosophy, Medicine, Astrology, Grammar, Folklore and Mythology. The Main function of this Library is conservation, preservation and publication of manuscripts and to act as a facilitation centre for literary research.
Raja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library is one among the wonders of the world. It is needless to assert that this a great treasure house of knowledge. The personal collection of the Rajah's of Maratha dynasty adorns themselves of the Library. It is the largest manuscripts Library both Palm-leaf and paper in the country. The benevolent influence of the great cholas, the erudition of Telugu Nayak Kings' (1532-1677) and the scholarship of Maratha Rajah's (1677 to 1855) who ruled the Thanjavur principality during the centuries had enriched the Tamil Culture: Rajah Serfoji, a many sided genius has added lustre to this great tradition by his refinement and mastery of languages such as French, Greek, Latin and English.
Scholars from other countries of the world also visit the Library to make research in various fields of knowledge. To enrich further many new publications are released from the library through reputed scholars. Former Honourary Secretary Sri. S. Gopalan and Sri. G Nagarajan Marathi Pandit (Retd.) had taken significant efforts for this book Sarasvati Mahal a short History and Guide in Marathi. We are very grateful to them for this effort. I congratulate Thiru. B. Ramachandran, Marathi Pandit for revised the book with updated information of the Library additions.
I am thankful to Government for sanctioning funds for publishing the book.
I thank Administrative Officer Thiru.M. Ramakrishnan, M.A., M.Phil. M.Ed., Librarian Dr. S. Sudarshan, M.A., BIA, M.L.I.S., PhD., and Library staff for having taken sincere efforts to bring out this revised edition.
I am sure that this Library publication will be welcomed by the Scholars and the public and run into several editions.