Thanjavur painting
Also called: Tanjore painting · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
Thanjavur painting is a South Indian style of painting from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It uses bright colours, raised gesso work (a chalky paste built up to make parts stand out) and gold foil. It mostly shows Hindu gods and goddesses. The style flourished under Thanjavur Maratha patronage, and it now has a GI tag (a legal label showing it belongs to a particular place).
Example
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Thanjavur Maratha rulers such as Serfoji II supported painters at their court. These painters made gold-covered pictures of deities like Krishna for temples and homes.
Don't confuse with
- Mysore painting: this is a related South Indian style with a lighter, flatter gesso layer and more delicate use of gold. Thanjavur painting has thicker raised work and heavier gold foil.