Thanjavur Marathas
Also called: Bhonsles of Thanjavur · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
The Thanjavur Marathas were a branch of the Bhonsle family that ruled Thanjavur in present-day Tamil Nadu. Their rule began when Ekoji, Shivaji's half-brother, conquered Thanjavur in the late 17th century. It lasted until 1855, when the British took over the kingdom because the last ruler died without a male heir. Their court had a mixed, many-language culture. Local Tamil, the Telugu of the earlier rulers and the rulers' own Marathi came together freely. Many of the rulers were poets and playwrights themselves.
Example
Under Serfoji II (r. 1798–1832), modern Carnatic music took shape and Bharatanatyam reached its early stages. The gold-foil Thanjavur painting style also grew under the Thanjavur Marathas' patronage.
Don't confuse with
- Bhonsles of Nagpur: this was another Maratha Bhonsle line, ruling in central India. They raided Bengal in the 1740s and revived Jagannath worship at Puri. The Thanjavur Bhonsles ruled in the far South.