Maratha-era Chathiram rest house in Thanjavur to be restored

Cleared/275 WordsTrichy: The two-centuries-old Maratha Vennar Chathiram rest house, situated along the Vennar river in Thanjavur, is set to undergo renovation. Officials have indicated that the dilapidated structure holds potential to be transformed into a historical monument or a museum.The Chathiram rest house is located near Palliagraharam in Thanjavur. This historic structure, which once provided shelter to tourists, pilgrims, and wayfarers two hundred years ago, now stands dilapidated and in ruins.Thanjavur collector B Priyanka Pankajam, accompanied by assistant executive engineer N Ranjith and assistant engineer M Mayilraj from the public works department's (PWD) heritage wing, inspected the structure located on the bank of the Vennaru river.Pankajam directed the officials to prepare detailed estimates and a detailed project report for the restoration work. She also instructed them to reclaim the portions of the accommodation that have been encroached upon by the public.Officials told TOI that the structure would be converted into a historical monument or a museum after restoration.According to sources, there are around 20 identified and surviving Chathiram tourist rest houses in the integrated Thanjavur district, which includes the delta districts, part of Thanjavur Maratha Kingdom.The rest houses were built by the Maratha kings, who ruled Thanjavur as their headquarters, to provide free accommodation to people in need. At present, they are managed under the Chathiram administration, which functions under the Thanjavur collector.Two other accommodations — Kalyan Mahal Chathiram in Thiruvaiyaru and Muthammal Chathiram in Orathanadu — are currently undergoing restoration at a cost of 19.5 crore and 30.7 crore respectively over the past one year.PWD is also planning to restore the Yamunambal Chathiram in Needamangalam in Tiruvarur district.