TANJORE PAINTING -ANCIENT ART OF INDIA

                                        History of Tanjore Paintings

Tanjore painting is an art in Tamil Nadu, it is flourished from a town Thanjavur  anglicized as Tanjore in Tamil Nadu known for its art and holds unique history in culture of south India. Classical Tanjore paintings, came into being in late 16th century. The art  mainly  classical music and dance drew a lot of attention back in 1600 AD during the times of Vijayanagara Rayas. The Maratha rule of Tanjore lasted for about 2 centuries from the late 16th century after the Vijayanagara Rayas and  during this time these paintings gained popularity. The early paintings were embellished with real Diamonds and other precious stones, Semi precious and artificial stones gained popularity only in later periods.

Tanjore Painting is perfect for Gifting:

Tanjore paintings have become one of the most sought out item in galleries of India and abroad and is definitely worth gifting one to your close ones. Such gifts are always highly appreciated for it would last for generations. It would undoubtedly increase the beauty of a house.

Making of Tanjore Painting :

Of the numerous steps involved in the making of a Tanjore Painting, the first involves drawing of the preliminary sketch of the image on the base. The base is made up of a cloth, which is pasted over a wooden base. The second step consists of mixing chalk powder or zinc oxide with water-soluble adhesive and applying it on the base. Thereafter, the drawing is made and ornamented with cut glass, pearls and even semi-precious stones. Laces or threads may also be used to decorate the painting. To further augment the effect, wafer thin sheets of gold are pasted in relief on some parts of the painting, while the other parts are painted in bright colors.

Types of Designs in Tanjore Paintings:

Chettinad Tanjore Paintings: 

Originated in Thanjavur, city in Tamilnadu. Generally with thick lines, bold colors, appropriate shapes designed keeping in mind the balance of every line of the painting. Appropriate colors are used. No question of “out of shape” painting. Chettinad style is live from around 1600 A.D.

Mysore Tanjore Paintings: 

Originated in Mysore, a city in Karnataka. These paintings have delicate lines, intricate brush strokes, graceful delineation of figures, mostly of gods and goddesses and the discreet use of bright vegetable colors and lustrous gold leaf make these paintings speak life of 2nd century B.C. to 7th century A.D. specially designed to inspire the feeling of devotion.

Other Paintings: 

Different varieties of paintings ranging from Basohli, Pichwai, Marble, Miniature, Water colors, Glow paintings, etc are also Indian and needs more attention.


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TANJORE PAINTING HISTORY & TECHNIQUES

TANJORE PAINTING 

Thanjavur painting is a classical South Indian painting style, which was inaugurated from the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore) and spread across the adjoining and geographically contiguous Tamil country. The art form draws its immediate resources and inspiration from way back about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur under the suzerainty of the Vijayanagara Rayas encouraged art—chiefly, classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil and painting of chiefly Hindu religious subjects in temples.

History

Thanjavur and worked under the patronage of the Thanjavur Nayakas. Subsequently, the Maratha rulers who defeated the Thanjavur Nayakas began to nurture the Thanjavur atelier. Needless to say, the artists absorbed the local influences and the individual tastes of their Maratha patrons which helped evolve the unique Thanjavur style of painting.

Vijayanagara Rayas

The Vijayanagar empire, founded by Harihara and Bukka, was for long a bulwark against the rapidly advancing Islamic influence from the nearby Deccan and the farther North. While the foreign influences did gradually percolate into the Peninsular South, the Vijayanagar empire ensured that the older Hindu artistic traditions were protected and preserved.

Thanjavur Nayakas

The Vijayanagar Rayas administered their vast kingdom through Nayaka Governors who also administered the outlying provinces or states under the supervision of the Raya. 

 Achyutappa was succeeded by his son Raghunatha Nayaka who in turn was succeeded by Vijayaraghava Nayaka. Raghunatha, who was possibly the most successful Thanjavur Nayaka ruler, was also a great patron of art and artists and helped establish the unique school of Thanjavur artists who later evolved the Thanjavur style of paintings under the Marathas.

Marathas

Due to internal dissensions in the Nayaka line, Ekoji otherwise called Venkoji (1676–83), half-brother of Chatrapati Shivaji marched into Thanjavur on behalf of the Adil Shah of Bijapur under whom he was a General. He subsequently captured Thanjavur and established the Maratha rule. 

                                                                      

  Style and Technique

Paintings in addition to being done on canvas, were also done on walls, wooden panel, glass, paper, mica and exotic media such as ivory. Small Ivory portraits were typically worn as cameo pendants called rajaharam and were quite popular.

The shading in Thanjavur art was more to create a feeling of depth than to conform to the European conventions of lighting and perspective.

Tanjore and Mysore paintings

Tanjore and Mysore paintings, both spring from the same source - Vijayanagara paintings to begin with and Nayaka paintings subsequently. The very same artists, Chitragars and Naidus migrated to various places including Thanjavur and Mysore.

 In Mysore paintings, the jewellery, costumes, architectural features, furniture, etc. reflect the contemporary style prevalent in the Mysore Palace. 

Tanjore paintings in Company style

The British Museum and The Victoria and Albert Museum have an enviable collection of such paintings.

 The paintings were usually executed on European paper, without gesso work, little or no Gold foil and without any glass or gem inlay.


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