The first Maratha ruler who made copious documentation of his rule like Rajaraja Chola was the last sovereign Maratha ruler of Thanjavur, Serfoji II. His documents, known as Modi documents (Modi was a Marathi shorthand) are preserved in the Saraswati Mahal Library, a library the Nayakas established and Serfoji enriched. Of course these documents keep a record of major events, like transactions with the French or the English, but additionally these documents keep track of things even we do not keep these days but should, like what vegetables were ordered on which day and what were the prices of which in that particular day. They can tell you that if a guard was caught having a drink while on duty, how was he punished. In the library we saw intriguing portraits of men accompanied by their animal lookalikes. These were done by 17th century French painter Charles le Brun, who was the court painter to Louis XIV. These sketches were studies in physiognomy, the practice of assessing a person's character or personality from their outer appearance-especially the face. There is also a detailed prescription of an eye cataract, and how to perform a cataract surgery. Today, Serfoji’s name comes up as one of the leading lights of pioneering eye cataract surgery. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside the library.

Upto 4 hours can be spend in this complex. Art Gallery The art gallery has wonderful collection of idols. They are 1mostly 10 to 16 th century bronze and stone sculptures. The main hall has spectacular ornamentation in the roof. Library Library has huge collection of ancient manuscripts. Saraswathi Mahal is publishing the in modern bloom Farmar. There is an audio visual theatre. Palace Palace is worth visiting. Dharnas is bringing 300 /400 year old history right in front of eyes. Try to visit the palace museum on 1st floor. You can experience thrilling underground tunnel. But is tunnel is closed after few meters.