They paved the way for the illustrious Marathi theatre tradition, encouraged and uplifted art, music, poetry, literature and dance, and created a syncretic cultural legacy that drew from Maharashtra and Thanjavur. Yet, the Maratha kings of Tanjore or Thanjavur, who ruled from 1676 to 1855, barely find a mention in mainstream history books. Bharatanatyam artiste, writer and scholar Indumati Raman looks back on their rule as the “golden era” for the arts. In an upcoming lecture-cum-performance, the 74-year-old will delve into the forgotten history of the Maratha kings of Tanjore, through an immersive abhinaya of extracts of Marathi Yakśagānams, along with music and dance.

Durbar Hall, Maratha Palace, Thanjavur. Pic Courtesy/Fiona Fernandez