The Thanjavur Maratha Palace; also known as Aranmanai; was originally built by the Nayaks of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom (16th - 17th century CE). After the fall of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom; it served as the official residence of the Thanjavur Maratha.

When most of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed to the British Empire in 1799; the Thanjavur Marathas continued to hold sway over the palace and the surrounding fort. The Bhonsle family continued to hold on to the palace even after the last king Shivaji II was deposed as per the Doctrine of Lapse. Pictures From Asia Rainer Krack