CultureNational and Dravidian movements
Saraswathi Mahal Library opened to the public
The manuscript library of the Thanjavur Maratha rulers, enriched by Serfoji II, was opened to the public in 1918.
The Saraswathi Mahal Library in the Thanjavur palace complex was established in the 16th century by the Nayak kings of Thanjavur and holds a rare collection of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts in Tamil, Sanskrit and other languages. The Maratha ruler Serfoji II (1798-1832), a noted scholar, is the king most associated with it. In 1918 the library was opened to the public. It continues to publish rare manuscripts and preserve its holdings on microfilm.
