Tanjore & Thanjavur Painting

Tanjore paintings originated in about 1600 AD from Thanjavur, a small town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India then ruled by the Chola Kings. Thanjavur or Tanjore Paintings originally pasted on wooden planks and framed were used to decorate the walls of temples and palaces. They depicted Hindu Gods as described in ancient Puranas, their rulers at the time, famous saints and deities. Though the composition would be simple but have the subject under arches or such architectural designs. The artists usually use bright colours and decorate the paintings with minute work on golden foils. Many such paintings will also have beads and semi-precious stones inlaid in the golden foils.