pic:Internet
Tribute to Maharaja Serfoji-II on his birth Anniversary
Maharaja Serfoji-II or Saraboji Raja Bhosale-II was born 1777. It was due to the previous intrigue due to Carnatic wars and Anglo Mysore wars Thanjavur Maratha Kingdom lost a lot of men and material. Thus during his Predecessor Thuljaji’s Regime they accepted British Suzerainty. Later Thuljaji adapted him as his heir. After the death of Thuljaji he was crowned but under the Regent AmarSingh. Who inturn claimed throne for himself. Later British Intervention led to reinstation of Sarabhoji-II but at the cost of losing the state’s revenue to the British where by the British made him a nominal figurehead authority.
He was a polyglot who knows many languages and was an intellectual of his own right thus he spent his time in building Chatrams the inns for pilgrims. The durbars were held in his rule which had 5 administrators known as subedars and six intellectuals.
He involved in Public works like building wells and drain infrastructure for Thanjavur. He supported education and a Bibliophile himself collected books from around the world. He established infrastructure for education and healthcare by establishing Dhanwantari mahal research centre to find remedies for diseases. He built a shipping centre at Manora.
He patronized music, dance and Thanjavur school of Painting. Thus he breathed last in 1832. His funeral procession was attended by lots of people.
He was known for his interest in ophthalmology it’s said that he treated people. His collection of Saraswati Mahal Library which was existing before him where he added various books ranges multitude of topics from culinary to that of philosophy. He owned printing press to print important works.
-Tribute by Srikaanth Sridhar
Srikaanth Sridhar
Latest posts by Srikaanth Sridhar (see all)
- Tribute to Madam Bhikaji Cama - 2026/09/24
- Tribute to Maharaja Serfoji-II - 2026/09/24
- Tragic Hero - 2026/09/19