Traditional Thanjavur Painting of Thiruvannamalai (Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvathi)

Thanjavur paintings have a long history dating back to the 16th century during the reign of the Nayak dynasty in Thanjavur. They were patronized by the Maratha rulers of the Bhonsle dynasty as well. The art form reached its peak during the 18th and 19th centuries under the patronage of the Maratha kings.

Thanjavur paintings are characterized by rich and vivid colors, simple iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems.

The Canvas for a Thanjavur painting is usually a plank of wood (originally wood of the Jackfruit tree was used, now its plywood) over which a layer of cloth is pasted with Arabic gum. The cloth is then evenly coated with a paste of limestone and a binding medium and let to dry it.

Thanjavur Painting got the recognition of geographical Indication tag in 2007.