A Tale of Two Collectorates Thanjavur, TN And Ujjaini, MP: The Indo-Saracenic Legacy

Navrang India March 07, 2026

kothi Palace or Ujjaini oldCollectorate
instagram.com

Any  casual visitor from the city of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu that was  ruled last by the Marathas (closely linked to the dynasty of Chhatrapati Shivaji)  to Ujjain(then capital) in Madya Pradesh  will be in surprise as to how  Kothi Mahal (Vikramaditya  Bhavan), Ujjaini  and the old collectorate  building in Thanjavur city have  more or less similar architectural elements (Hindu -Muslim design parameters) including domes and  large windows  and configuration. 

The architectural landscape of India is dotted with grand administrative edifices that tell a story of colonial ambition and local heritage. Two such structures, the Old Collectorate of Ujjain (Kothi Mahal) in Madhya Pradesh and the Old Thanjavur Collectorate On the Court Road, Thanjavur city  of  Tamil Nadu, stand as remarkable parallels of the Indo-Saracenic style, despite being separated by over 1,500 kilometers.

old collectorate Ujjain tourisn.com

old collector's office(kothi mahal)
                                                                     agefotostock.com

Above image: Old Collectorate (Kothi palace) on Vishshavidhyalay Road is 3km from Madhav Nagar Railway station. It also housed Office of Revenue Commissioner, Sub-divisional Magistrate Ujjain and Treasury  reside in the same building....

Thanjavur old collectorate (Museum) building
en.wikipedia.org

Thanjavur old collectorate building dtnext.in

View from the road. Thanjavur collectorate
 covaipost.com

Above images:  Thanjavur District Collectorate office (built in 1887), Kutchery (court) Road, Thanjavur, TN.  Since 1896 till  June 2015 it had continuously served as the Collectorate office with collector's official room on the first floor overlooking the front open yard and the main road. It was from here in April 1930 energetic Collector J. A. Thorne (ICS) made a vein attempt to stop the Salt Satyagraha march to Vedaranyam coast led by Rajaji (C. Rajagopalachari) along with  T. S. S. Rajan, Kamaraj and others). Architecture: Indo-Saracenic. introduced  by Robert Chisholm............
Thanjavur old collectorate
spiral stairway instagram.com

Architectural Harmony and Design:  

Both buildings are hallmarks of the Indo-Saracenic movement, popularized by British architect Robert Chisholm who worked  for the Madras Presidency  This style is defined by a hybridity that blends European structural engineering with Indian aesthetic motifs.

Common Features: Both structures boast thick masonry walls, high ceilings, and grand arched windows and entrances. The most striking similarity lies in their silhouette: three prominent onion-shaped domes crowned with traditional kalasams.

Climate-Responsive Engineering: 

Designed for the sweltering heat of the plains, both utilize Madras terrace roofing supported by steel girders and wooden rafters. Louvered wooden doors and high ceilings ensure natural ventilation, keeping the interiors cool during the peak of summer.

keeping the interiors cool during the peak of summer.

Distinct Identities and Configurations

While they share a visual language, their origins and layouts differ significantly based on their intended use:

Feature Kothi Mahal (Ujjain) Thanjavur Collectorate 

Kothi Mahal; Built between 1887- 1888;  the original purpose: It was used as the residence of the   Scindia Royal family. Made of brick carved stone and stucco used with a balance pleasing to the eyes with a grademin the front part.

Converted into a Government Office;  Elevation Ground floor with two upper floors  with Grand external staircase with decorative railings. Big Domes clustered and  small corner domes set apart.

Thanjavur Collectorate: Single-story structure  It was built to accommodate the District office there.  Elegant internal spiral stairway to the upper levels. Big  onion domes are not  clustered tightly together and ide domes are set apart at the front corners 

In both buildings the cornices atop the structure  above the windows  on the ground and first floors in the façade accentuate the look of the structure.

Historical Context: Royalty vs. The Raj

The Kothi Mahal was born out of necessity for the Scindia rulers after their previous residence became dilapidated. Though built as a palace at a staggering cost of 8 lakh rupees, it eventually transitioned into a seat of power for the Revenue Commissioner and District Magistrate.

In contrast, the Thanjavur Collectorate was a direct product of the British Raj. Following the death of Martha Ruler Shivaji II and the controversial application of the Doctrine of Lapse,(introduced  by Lord Dalhousie) the British annexed the Tanjore Maratha kingdom. The building was constructed specifically to consolidate administrative power over the Cauvery delta region covering vast areas.

Today, as Ujjain shifts its administration to a modern four-story complex, the Kothi Mahal is poised for a new chapter as a heritage hotel, preserving its majestic blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Colonial design for future generations. 

Both Kothi Palace or Vikramaditya Bhavan, Ujjain and the Thanjavur old collector office buildings are masonry structures and good examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture which was popularized by the famous  British architect Robert Chisholm. Appointed by lord Napier, Chisholm not only left his mark in Madras but also in Vadodara  (Baroda, Gujarat). 


heritage museum collectorate 
building justdial.com

Likewise  a New Collectorate building came up near Tamil University, Thanjavur and the old Collectorate building was restored and converted into  a  heritage Museum with a separate  Birds' Park displaying  several  rare birds, including  south American birds, etc . Lots of people visit this museum daily.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_Museum

https://www.bhasmarti.com/kothi-palace.html

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXybj0VPJeG