Tanjore Paintings - History, Features, Style, Technique, Influences And Modern Paintings

Tanjore (Thanjavur)Painting is a type of painting that originated in Tanjore, the Chola dynasty’s capital city and was supported by the Maratha kings of the 17th century. King Krishnarajendra Wodeyar patronised the same art form in Mysore. This is another art style that incorporates precious stones and gold foils. Tanjore paintings were first utilized to show Hindu Gods and Goddesses in their full glory. The figures in these paintings are typically huge, with round, divine faces.

The UPSC IAS Exam includes a section on art and culture. The topics under the art and culture division are linked to India’s history.

Fig: Tanjore Painting

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What is Tanjore Painting?

Tanjore paintings are also known as Thanjavur paintings. They are a classical South Indian painting style. Tanjore painting originated in the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. They are characterized by their rich and vivid colors, glittering gold foils, and inlay of glass beads and precious gems. Tanjore paintings are typically panel paintings done on wooden planks. Hence, they are referred to as palagai padam in local parlance.

History of Tanjore paintings

• Tanjore is located around 300 kilometres from Tamil Nadu’s capital city, Chennai (formerly Madras), the Gupta Empire’s cultural capital, reaching its peak in the early 18th century.
• Some of the world’s most notable sanctuaries and temples have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The rich and ancient history of the Chola dynasty, which ruled the districts of Thanjavur, Madurai, and Trichy during the 16th century, is preserved in the vibrant sculptures and murals on the temple walls of Tanjore.
• Painting is the most famous of Thanjavur’s gems, and it is internationally renowned for its indigenousness and unique manner of generating a 3D look on every single artwork.
• The Chola rulers who dominated south India in the 16th century promoted Tanjore paintings, which were patronised by Maratha princes, Nayakas of the Vijayanagar empire, Rajus of Tanjore, and Tiruchirapalli, and Naidus of Madurai.

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Features of Tanjore Painting

Tanjore paintings are also called "Palagai Padam." This name means "picture on a wooden plank" because they are usually drawn on hard wooden boards. Most of these paintings have figures that are decorated with sparkly decorations and bold colours. This ancient type of art is often seen as special or holy.

• In the old days, they used precious stones like diamonds and rubies to decorate these paintings. The pictures were put on 22-karat gold foil. The rest of the painting was filled with bright colours.
• One special thing about Tanjore paintings is the chubby faces of the gods and goddesses. This makes the paintings feel pure and special.
• These paintings are often about stories from Hindu mythology. There are also paintings of important events from myths, like the wedding of Meenakshi, romantic scenes of Radha and Krishna, and the crowning of Shri Rama.
• The artists who make these paintings take great care in creating the base of each painting. This gives each painting a unique 3D feel.
• People often give these paintings as presents during festivals like Diwali and Pongal or at weddings. They're also used to decorate houses and businesses.
• The bold colours, shiny stones, and splashes of gold in these paintings can brighten up a room. They make a space feel warm and lively.

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Making and Techniques of Tanjore Paintings

Tanjore Paintings have a unique style that sets them apart. Here's a bit about it:

• The first thing you notice in a Tanjore painting is the bright, vivid colours. These paintings use bold and vibrant hues.
• They often showcase Hindu gods and goddesses. The subject is usually from Indian mythologies like Ramayana, Mahabharata, or stories about Lord Krishna.
• A key feature is the rich detailing. Artists pay attention to each tiny part of the painting. You'll find intricate designs on clothing, jewellery, and other elements.
• The figures in the painting are round and divine. They are always in the centre of the canvas.
• These paintings are made on a wooden plank. This plank, known as "Palagai Padam", gives a solid base.
• Embellishments like semi-precious stones, pearls, and gold foil are used. These give the paintings a 3D effect and make them look luxurious.
• Finally, a typical Tanjore painting has a golden arch called "Prabhavali". It's like a doorway that frames the main figure.

Tanjore painting involves a careful process. Here's how artists create them:

• The process begins by preparing the base. The artist uses a wooden plank and applies a mixture of chalk powder and a glue-like substance called "Arabic Gum".
• Once dry, an outline of the main figure is sketched on the base. It's like the skeleton of the painting.
• Then comes the relief work. Artists create a paste using chalk powder and Arabic Gum. This paste is applied to the sketch to give a raised, 3D look.
• After that, artists stick a thin gold foil on the relief work. This makes the painting shine and stand out.
• The painting is then filled in with colours. Artists use natural dyes to fill in the sketch. They start with darker shades and move to lighter ones.
• The final step is adding decorations. They carefully glued semi-precious stones and pearls to the painting. These add more sparkle to the artwork.
• The artists complete the painting by adding details. They work on the eyes, face, clothes, and jewellery to make them look lifelike.

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Modern Tanjore Paintings

• Paintings from Thanjavur are still produced today, though not with the same rigour and virtuosity as those from the past.
• Many institutions, including state governments, hold ‘Revival’ programs, exhibitions, workshops, and training camps on Tanjore paintings regularly.
• The materials utilised have also evolved, depending on cost, availability, and the preferences of different artists.
• For example, plywood has mostly replaced oak and teak wood. Natural and mineral colours, as well as other traditional components, are chosen over synthetic colours and adhesives.
• Muck powder, a fine chalk powder, is also utilised to give the paintings a 3D effect. In addition to traditional subjects, Thanjavur paintings represent a wide range of popular and current subjects and themes.
• While it is a positive development that traditional art is still thriving, the blunt commercialization and loss of aesthetics are concerning developments. Regardless, the style and aesthetics of Tanjore paintings continue to inspire many current painters.

Also, study the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India!

Influences of Tanjore Paintings

Influence on Religion and Mythology

• Tanjore's Paintings have a strong connection with religion and mythology.
• These paintings often depict Hindu gods, goddesses, and other holy figures.
• Artists use the stories of these figures as inspiration for their artwork.
• These stories might include Lord Krishna's childhood or Goddess Lakshmi showering blessings.

• This religious influence has helped to keep traditional stories and values alive.
• People who see these paintings can learn about Hindu mythology.
• They also serve as beautiful items for devotional worship.

Influence on Art and Culture

• Tanjore's Paintings have had a significant impact on Indian art and culture.
• The unique style of these paintings, like the use of gold foil and gems, has been widely appreciated.
• The bright, rich colours and intricate details make these paintings stand out.

• Tanjore paintings have encouraged other artists to use similar techniques.
• This influence has helped Indian art to be recognized globally.
• It also shows the richness of Indian culture and tradition.

Influence on History and Royalty

• These paintings were created in the city of Thanjavur under the rule of the Chola dynasty.
• They were patronized by various South Indian rulers, including Marathas and Nayakas.
• These paintings are a reflection of the time and the royal tastes.

• The historical influence gives these paintings a sense of depth and significance.
• They provide a glimpse into the artistic preferences of past rulers.
• They also represent the historical events of the time.

Influence on Modern Art and Artists

• Despite being centuries old, the influence of Tanjore Paintings can still be seen today.
• Modern artists are inspired by the traditional themes and unique techniques used in these paintings.
• Many contemporary artists incorporate elements of Tanjore paintings into their work.

• This influence has kept Tanjore Paintings relevant even today.
• It motivates young artists to explore and experiment with traditional Indian art forms.
• It also encourages the preservation of this unique art form for future generations.

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Difference between Tanjore painting and Mysore painting

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Tanjore paintings in Company Style

Tanjore paintings in Company style were produced specifically for British patrons in the 18th and 19th centuries. These paintings were typically smaller and more portable than traditional Tanjore paintings. They often depicted Indian subjects in a way that appealed to Western sensibilities.

One of the most distinctive features of Tanjore paintings in the Company style is their use of Western perspective techniques. This is in contrast to traditional Tanjore paintings, which typically use a more flattened perspective. Company-style paintings depict Indian subjects in a more realistic manner. Traditional Tanjore paintings often have a more stylized and symbolic quality.

These paintings were often commissioned by British officials and merchants as souvenirs of their time in India. Here are some examples of Tanjore paintings in Company style:

• Portrait of Raja Sarfoji II of Thanjavur (c. 1825)
• Rama and Hanuman Fighting Ravana (c. 1820)
• Group of Courtesans (c. 1800–1825)
• Great Indian Fruit Bat (c. 1800–1825)
• View of the Golden Temple at Amritsar (c. 1825)

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Tanjore Painting: Important Facts for UPSC Prelims

The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is a special place recognized by UNESCO. This place, along with two other temples from the 11th century, is known worldwide.

This place is famous for four types of crafts.

• The first one is the Dancing Dolls, also called Thalaiyati Bommai. These dolls are bright and have many details. You can see them being sold everywhere during the Dasara festival. At this festival, people make dolls out of papier mache and clay. These dolls tell stories from old legends.
• The second craft is the Plates of Metal Art. These beautiful crafts started when King Serofji Bhonsle ruled the place. He loved art. The plates are made from silver, brass, copper, and sometimes bronze. They have pictures of gods and goddesses and pretty flower patterns.
• The third craft is the Thanjavur Paintings. These paintings are very colourful. They have gold leaf and glass beads on them. They were made when the Marathas and the Nayakas ruled the area in the 1700s. The paintings are done on wooden panels. They have pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from religious books.
• The last craft is the Veena Saraswati. This is a musical instrument used in Carnatic music. It is known for its beautiful sound. It is made from the wood of a mature jackfruit tree. An artisan spends two to three months to create one. The bulb of the instrument is decorated with flowers or a picture of Goddess Saraswati. It is then polished until it shines.

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