Tanjore Painting is one of the most popular forms of classical South Indian painting. Most of these paintings revolve around the theme of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, along with saints.
Thanjavur was the capital of the mighty Chola empire and had been the centre of economical and cultural activities under the Chola empire, the Vijaynagar dynasty and the Maratha rulers.
These tanjore paintings evolved during the 16th century when the Chola emperors ruled southern india. Chola emperors were great lovers of art and built beautiful temples.
King Sarfogi who reigned Thanjavur from 1798 to 1832 played an important role in nurturing this form of art during his rule.
The earlier Tanjore Paintings were embedded with real diamonds, rubies & precious stones. Now the gem stones are replaced with semiprecious and artificial stones. The practice of gold foil is still prevalent though.
Since Tanjore paintings are mainly done on solid wood planks, they are locally known as ‘Palagai Padam’ (palagai meaning wooden plank and padam meaning picture).
Thanjavur paintings continue to be made even to the present day and are a priced possession.