In 1674 CE, Marathas established their sway over Tamil Nadu and in 1730 CE, they settled around the delta of Kaveri river.

They established their capital in the city of Thanjavur and ruled upto 1855 CE, when the British East India company took over the administration.

They recorded their charities and other activities on copper plates and stones both in Tamil and Marathi languages. Marathi inscriptions are found in temples, churches, durgahs, tanks, water ponds, choultries, hospitals, memorial towers, palaces, fields, bridges, flag staff, bronze images, temple utensils, medals, tombstones and cemeteries. Some important inscriptions to mention are Thanjavur big temple inscription, Manora tower inscription and Thanjavur palace inscription.