Sarasvati Mahal Library in Thanjavur to undergo major restoration

The Public Works Department’s Building Centre and Conservation Division has set the ball rolling to restore the historic Sarasvati Mahal Library in Thanjavur. This iconic structure will be taken up as an additional project, apart from the many other heritage conservation projects sanctioned this fiscal.

Work on renovating the 16^th century library located on the Thanjavur palace complex would begin in two months.

Officially known as Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal, since it was taken over by the government in 1918, the library is a repository of rare collections of ancient palm leaf manuscripts in various languages, nearly 6,500 books in several titles, maps, atlases, and mural wall paintings. Spread over 34,000 sq. ft., the library also houses a museum and preserved texts from the medieval period.

The department has begun the process to restore the heritage structure, which is also one of the prominent tourist attractions in Thanjavur, at a cost of ₹12.50 crore. This follows a recent announcement by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on the conservation of the library.

Repair work

Officials of the PWD noted that the vault roof as well as the Madras Terrace roof of the library have been damaged due to water seepage and the structure’s age. The exterior portion of the library, overrun by vegetation, is also in dire need of repair.

Like many other heritage structures, the library too has developed cracks in the walls and withering of lime plaster. About 20% of the damaged portion of the building has not been in use for many years.

S. Alwin Gnanasehar, Superintending Engineer, BCCD, PWD, said maintenance work in the historic building, made without adhering to heritage norms, has contributed to its further degradation, posing a challenge to reviving its original condition. The division would take up work to strengthen the walls with mughal plastering and restore meticulously crafted teak doors and windows, and complete it within two years.

Hike in heritage budget

In its efforts to preserve the architectural marvels across the State, the government has allocated ₹150 crore towards heritage maintenance and conservation this year, a significant increase from the usual annual fund of ₹50 crore.

As part of the 17 new heritage restoration projects to be executed in various districts, including Tirunelveli, Chennai, and Tiruchi, Thanjavur Palace’s courtyard would also be revived at a cost of ₹7.15 crore.

Among the ongoing projects in Thanjavur district, the work to restore Sharjah Maadi would be completed in two months. Nearly 75% of the work to restore Thanjavur Palace Durbar Hall has been completed. “About 50% of the mural paintings in ceilings and walls have faded over time. The challenging task of restoring the mural art will begin soon,” said an official.