The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, known locally as Aranmanai, today is the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855.

When most of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed by the British Empire in 1799, the Thanjavur Marathas continued to hold sway over the palace and the surrounding fort or walled city.

The Bhonsle family continued to hold on to the palace even after the last king, Shivaji of Thanjavur.

The Royal Palace Museum contains a splendid collection of Chola bronzes.

The Saraswathi Mahal Library is situated with the Thanjavur palace complex.