Tanjore painting: A Hindu canvas that's holy & embellished

DECCAN HERALD
By Sharmila Chand

Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur or Thanjavoor Art, has its origin in Tanjavoor, the capital city of the Chola Dynasty. Maratha princes, the Nayaks of Vijayanagar dynasty, the Raju communities of Tanjore and Trichi, and the Naidus of Madurai, are known to have patronized the art of Tanjore painting from 16th to 18th centuries. Tanjore painting, till date, is one of the most popular forms of classical South Indian paintings. Considered a sacred art, most of these paintings have a central theme of Hindu gods and goddesses, including some saints. The main figure is depicted in the center of the painting. 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). [More]