Tanjore Paintings

First Online: June 01, 2001
Page Last Updated: August 20, 2024

Tanjore (a.k.a. Tanjavur) traditional paintings are a very important form of classical Indian school of paintings, finding their origins in the prosperous Chola period of 9th century A.D. The characteristic of Tanjore paintings if the multi-layered process by the the artist creates the paintings, as also the distinctly South Indian accent attributed to the paintings. 

© K. L. Kamat

Goddess Saraswati

The theme of most Tanjore paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The following examples illustrate the elegance, rich color, and distinct Deccan flavor of fine arts.

Lord Shiva Performing His Cosmic Dance Tanjore School of Painting

See Also:

• Mysore Traditional School of Paintings

• Dakhani school of South Indian Paintings

• Comparing Tanjore and Mysore Schools of Gesso Art