Raja Serfoji

Raja Serfoji II (1777–1832) was the ruler of the Maratha principality of Thanjavur in southern India. He is widely regarded as a progressive monarch who combined traditional kingship with remarkable contributions to medicine, education, literature, and the arts. His reign marked one of the most culturally vibrant phases of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom, even as it existed under the shadow of British colonial influence.

Early Life and Accession

Raja Serfoji II was born on 24 September 1777 to Tulajaji II, the then Maratha ruler of Thanjavur. Following the death of his father in 1787, Serfoji was adopted and later placed under the guardianship of the Danish missionary Schwartz, who provided him with a Western-style education. This exposure shaped Serfoji’s intellectual outlook and made him fluent in several languages, including Sanskrit, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, French, Latin, and English.
In 1798, with support from the British East India Company, Serfoji was restored to the throne after a period of political turbulence. However, his sovereignty was largely curtailed, as the British exercised significant control over military and revenue matters, leaving Serfoji with limited administrative authority.

Contributions to Education and Learning

Raja Serfoji II was a strong patron of knowledge and scholarship:

• He established the Sarasvati Mahal Library, expanding it with thousands of manuscripts and books in various languages, including European works of science and medicine.
• He encouraged the study of both traditional Indian learning and Western sciences, thereby creating a unique intellectual synthesis.
• Schools were set up under his patronage, where subjects like English, geography, and astronomy were taught alongside classical disciplines.

Contributions to Medicine

One of Serfoji’s most enduring legacies was in the field of medicine:

• He developed and practised Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine, but also promoted Western medical knowledge, influenced by his early training under European tutors.
• Detailed medical case histories were recorded during his reign, particularly concerning ophthalmology, making him one of the earliest Indian rulers to institutionalise medical record-keeping.
• The Dhanvantari Mahal, a research and medical institution, was established for developing and administering treatments.

Patronage of Arts and Literature

• Raja Serfoji supported classical music, dance, and drama, encouraging performances in Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu.
• He was himself a writer, producing literary works in multiple languages.
• Art and painting also flourished, particularly in the Thanjavur style of painting, which developed further under his patronage.

Relations with the British

Although Serfoji was a British ally, his power was significantly reduced after the 1799 treaty that left him only nominal control over Thanjavur. While political sovereignty diminished, he utilised his position to strengthen cultural, educational, and scientific institutions.

Legacy

Raja Serfoji II is remembered as a visionary monarch who combined tradition with modernity. His contributions to medicine, library science, and education distinguished him from many contemporary rulers. The Sarasvati Mahal Library in Thanjavur, housing an unparalleled collection of manuscripts, remains one of his greatest legacies.