INTRODUCTIONSaw in Tanjore
Tilak47, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tanjore, also spelled Thanjavur, painting is one of the most celebrated classical art forms of South India.
Originating from the culturally rich city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, these paintings are a testament to the region’s devotion, spirituality, and artistic brilliance.
Characterized by their rich colors, intricate designs, mythological themes, and the generous use of gold foil, Tanjore paintings are more than just decorative pieces—they are sacred works of art that embody centuries of tradition and heritage.
The Origins of Tanjore Painting
Tanjore paintings trace their roots back to the 16th century during the reign of the Nayakas of Thanjavur under the Vijayanagara Empire. This period was marked by an explosion of cultural and artistic pursuits, where temples, sculptures, and paintings flourished. Court artists, supported by the Nayak rulers and later the Maratha dynasty, developed this distinctive style of painting, which combined indigenous techniques with influences from Deccan, Maratha, and even European art traditions.
At its core, Tanjore painting was a devotional art, created to adorn temple walls, pillars, and shrines. Over time, they became portable, were painted on wooden planks, and began to grace the walls of homes, palaces, and galleries.
Materials and Techniques
The making of a Tanjore painting is a meticulous process that requires patience and craftsmanship. Traditionally, the base is a wooden plank or canvas, layered with a paste of chalk powder and a natural adhesive such as tamarind seed paste. This gives the painting a smooth, polished surface.
The next step involves sketching the outline of the main deity or subject. Relief work is then created using a mixture of chalk powder and gum to add dimension to the figures, especially to highlight ornaments, arches, and thrones.
One of the most distinctive features of Tanjore paintings is the use of gold foil. Pure gold leaves are carefully laid over the embossed areas, creating a luminous effect that reflects light beautifully. Semi-precious stones, glass beads, and sometimes even pearls are embedded into the artwork to enhance its grandeur.
Colors used in Tanjore paintings are traditionally derived from natural sources—vegetable dyes, stones, and minerals. The palette consists of rich reds, deep greens, serene blues, and striking blacks, all balanced by the radiance of gold.
Themes and Subjects
Gaṇeśa riding on his vehicle, The Mouse
British Museum , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Thematically, Tanjore paintings are deeply spiritual. They almost always depict Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints. Popular subjects include:
Lord Krishna: Often shown as a playful child (Krishna Leela) or with Radha in romantic depictions, symbolizing divine love.
Lord Vishnu and his avatars, especially Rama, Hanuman, and scenes from the Ramayana.
Lord Shiva and Parvati: Representing cosmic energy and divine union.
Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati: Embodiments of wealth, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom.
Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, a common figure in households and temples.
Apart from deities, some Tanjore paintings also depict royal portraits, saints, and devotional scenes from Tamil literature and folklore.
Mythological Depictions
Tanjore art is not just painting—it is storytelling. Artists use brushes, color, and gold to narrate episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Each image is rich with symbolic detail. For example, Krishna is often shown with a flute amidst cows, symbolizing his role as the divine protector. Goddess Saraswati holds a veena, embodying the harmony of learning and music.
The intricate borders, ornate arches, and divine halos in the paintings emphasize the sanctity of the subject. Every gesture, expression, and accessory carries symbolic weight, making these paintings a form of visual scripture.
The Use of Colors
On the Wall of Tanjore Big Temple.
Ankushsamant, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The vibrancy of Tanjore paintings is one of their most defining features. Artists traditionally used vegetable dyes, crushed minerals, and even powdered precious stones to create lasting hues.
Modern artists often use synthetic paints, but the commitment to bold, rich colors remains unchanged.
Red: Symbolizing power, devotion, and energy.
Green: Associated with fertility, prosperity, and compassion.
Blue: Representing divine qualities, serenity, and cosmic energy.
Black: Often used to highlight the figure and create contrast.
Gold: The ultimate symbol of divinity, wealth, and spiritual illumination.
The interplay of these colors against the glowing gold foil creates a three-dimensional effect, making the figures appear almost lifelike.
Cultural and Religious Significance
In Tamil Nadu, Tanjore paintings are not just art—they are objects of devotion. Families often keep them in their prayer rooms, and temples commission them for shrines. Their very presence is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and divine protection.
The paintings also act as a bridge between spirituality and aesthetics. They capture the cultural ethos of Tamil Nadu, blending artistic skill with religious devotion, and have become timeless heirlooms passed down through generations.
Evolution Through the Ages
Rooted in tradition, Tanjore painting has adapted with time. Contemporary artists experiment with new themes, including secular and modern subjects, while still retaining the traditional technique of gold work and vibrant coloring.A shopkeeper & a customer. Tanjore.
Flickr, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The San Diego Museum of Art
Art collectors and galleries worldwide now recognize Tanjore paintings as valuable pieces of heritage. From local craftsmen in Tamil Nadu to international art festivals, this art form has transcended borders while staying true to its devotional origins.
Preservation of the Art
Despite its grandeur, Tanjore painting faces challenges in preservation. The shift from natural dyes to chemical colors and the scarcity of gold foil can sometimes dilute its authenticity. However, dedicated artisans, cultural organizations, and art schools in Tamil Nadu are working to revive and sustain the tradition.
Workshops, exhibitions, and online platforms have also helped bring global attention to this unique art form, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Conclusion
Tanjore (Thanjavur) paintings are not merely decorative wall hangings; they are sacred expressions of devotion, culture, and craftsmanship. With their vibrant colors, mythological narratives, and lavish use of gold, they continue to mesmerize art lovers across the world. Rooted in Tamil Nadu’s spiritual traditions and enriched by centuries of artistry, Tanjore paintings remain a glowing testament to India’s cultural heritage.
As you admire a Tanjore painting, you are not just looking at an image—you are experiencing a piece of history, a slice of mythology, and a vision of divinity brought to life through brush, color, and gold.
Keywords: Tanjore painting, Thanjavur painting, Tamil Nadu art, South Indian paintings, mythological paintings, gold foil art, traditional Indian art, Krishna paintings, Hindu deity paintings, cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
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