| Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library | |
|---|---|
 Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library | |
 | |
| Location | Thanjavur, India |
| Type | Medieval library |
| Established | 16th century |
| Branches | N/A |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | Books and Manuscripts |
| Size | More than 49,000 |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | Open to public |
| Other information | |
| Website | tmssmlibrary.com |
Saraswathi Mahal Library, also called Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library is a library located in Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia[1] established during 16th century by Nayakar kings of Thanjavur and has on display a rare collection of Palm leaf manuscripts and paper written in Tamil and Sanskrit and a few other indigenous languages of india (especially southern regional languages). The collection comprises well over 49,000 volumes, though only a tiny fraction of these are on display. The library has a complete catalog of holdings, which is being made available online. Some rare holdings can be viewed on site by prior arrangement.[2] Encyclopedia Britannica mentions the library as the "Most remarkable library of India".[3]
- ^ Indian culture. "Thanjavur Mah Serfojis Sarawswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur". India culture. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
- ^ See official website of the library, under External links, for details of holdings and access.
- ^ Karkar, S.C. (2009). The Top Ten Temple Towns of India. Kolkota: Mark Age Publication. p. 80. ISBN 978-81-87952-12-1.