This was the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled the region from 1674-1855. It was originally constructed by the rulers of Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. After the kingdom fell, it was the official residence of the Thanjavur Maratha. When this kingdom was annexed to the British Empure in 1799, the Thanjavur Marathad held the palace and nearby fort. After the last king was deposed, the Bhonsle's, a prominent group within the Maratha clan, held the palace.