page_title: Serfoji II
section_title: Reign and administration
hierarchical_section_title: Serfoji II / Reign and administration
caption_attribution_description: English: A minutre painting of middel-aged King Serfoji II (1777-1832) He was installed as ruler of Thanjavur in 1798 by the British. Right from the very beginning of the Danish era in Tranquebar in the 1620s royal portraits were recognised as being useful instruments in the political and social negotiations with allies. The interest in naturalistic portraiture developed at the court of Thanjavur, especially during the reign of Serfoji II. The presence of both European artists and Indian artists trained in European techniques made the growth of new forms of portraiture possible especially in the late eighteenth century. This is clearly seen in the hybrid style of miniature paintings known as company paintings. In addition to his deep insight into Indian knowledge systems Serfoji II also showed an extensive interest in European art and science along with his deep insight in Indian knowledge systems. During his reign royal paintings were displayed in his Thanjavur palace, for instance in the Durbar Halls. They were also used as gifts in the courtly culture of gift exchange, in which the Europeans also participated in. In the early part of the nineteenth century this minuture painting entered the Ethnographical Collection of the Royal Art Museum in Copenhagen, now part of the National Museum of Denmark. Miniature painting on mica, c. 10 cm high and 6 cm wide, artist unknown, before 1830.
context_page_description: Serfoji II Bhonsle also spelt as Sarabhoji II Bhonsle, was the last ruler of the Bhonsle dynasty of the Maratha principality of Tanjore to exercise absolute sovereignty over his dominions. His descendants, however, have managed to thrive as titular Maharajahs of Thanjavur to the present day. Serfoji belonged to the Bhonsle clan of Marathas and was descended from Shivaji's half-brother Venkoji. He ruled Thanjavur from 1798 until his death in 1832.
context_section_description: During Serfoji's reign which lasted from 1798 until his death in 1832, for the first time, the proceedings of the Tanjore durbar were recorded in paper. The Delta region was divided into five districts each under a Subedar Administrative Heads . And created a strong Advisory Board with 6 Intelligent peoples, later who served as administration heads of five divided districts. Cultivable lands yielded good profits and the judiciary system was highly efficient and praiseworthy. 
  Serfoji is also credited with having built a lot of chathrams or rest houses for weary pilgrims.  These pilgrims received free boarding and lodging and their needs were taken care of by the State.  In all Serfoji built three important chathrams, including one at Orathanadu.
caption: Serfoji II miniature painting. National Museum, Copenhagen
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