Interesting Facts About Tanjore Paintings

• Tanjore Painting of India devised during the 16th century, under the sovereignty of the Cholas.
• Rajus societies of Tanjore, and Naidus of Madurai also supported Tanjore Painting from 16th to the 18th century.
• It is one of the popular forms of classical South Indian painting.
• It is the native art form of Tanjore city of Tamil Nadu.
• They are locally known as ‘Palagai Padam’ as it is mainly done on solid wood planks.
• The theme of Tanjore Painting of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, along with saints.
• The solid composition, surface richness and vibrant colors is the specialty of this paintings
• These painting use embellishments of semi-precious stones, pearls and glass pieces to make the painting attractive. The relief work provides them a three-dimensional effect.
• The main character is always painted in the middle of the painting.
• Artists usually give a three-dimensional effect to the pictures.
• The first step among the numerous steps in the making of the painting involves drawing of the preliminary sketch of the image on the base.
• The base of the Tanjore painting is made up of a cloth and is pasted over a wooden base.
• The painting uses a mixture of chalk powder or zinc oxide with water-soluble adhesive to spread on the base.
• Thereafter, the picture is drawn sand decorated with the diamond, lace, thread, cut glass, pearls and even semi-precious stones.