Tanjore Paintings in Thanjavur

Tanjore painting or Thanjavur Oviyam  is a major form of classical South Indian painting from the town of Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. The art form dates back to about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayaks of Thanjavur encouraged art—chiefly, classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil. Tanjore paintings are known for their surface richness, vivid colors, compact composition and especially the glittering gold foils used to give the paintings their rich look . Essentially serving as devotional icons, the subjects of most paintings are Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints. Episodes from Hindu tradition are drawn upon as elaborations of the main figure or figures placed in the central section of the picture. Tanjore paintings are panel paintings done on solid wood planks, and hence referred to as palagai padam (palagai = "wooden plank"; padam = "picture") in local language. In modern times, these paintings have become souvenirs of festive occasions in South India, pieces to decorate walls, and collectors' items for art lovers.

Arumugham  - the artisan who produces these amazing Tanjore paintings at his small workshop

Goddess Lakshmi - goddess of Wealth

Lord Krishna(the baby) & his mother Yashoda

Lord Ganesha

Gaja Lakshmi - The Goddess of the lephants

Lord Siva & goddess Parvati seated in Rishabha or the celestial bull

Lord Venkatachalapati

Lord Ganesha