Tanjore gets its name from the capital of the Chola empire, Thanjavoor, and it houses one of Lord Shaiva-Brigadeeswara’s temples. The Tanjore paintings, the creation of which requires dedicated skilled labour, have been famous for perfectly giving life to the ancient scriptures of the Hindu religion. It has become a very famous painting style, especially in the southern part of India because of the characteristic harmony of colours, design and traditional techniques. A typical Tanjore painting was able to create perfect harmony between the different elements, while still paying precise attention to every detail. This style was developed from the patronage of the Maratha rulers in the eighteenth century and has been known for its ornamental relief work that has flourished with the kings’ patronage.

There are several stages involved in the creation of the Tanjore paintings. First, a plank of teak wood, covered by a layer of cloth, is the common canvass used. Then, they make the surface smooth by running it with smooth emery paper. After which, the artist can proceed with making a detailed sketch on the board and with the use of semi-precious stones of different colours, he decorates the painting lavishly. The stones used, especially in the earlier days were diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. They create a 3D embossed effect.

In the modern ages, new techniques have been developed to keep this kind of art alive and fresh. They now make use of synthetic pasting material as well as chalk powder to replace the ones that were traditionally used. Today’s artists utilise chemical paints to achieve perfect colour and shades; yet while some changes are being made to the original masterpiece, they try to be careful not to steer too far away from tradition.

The Rajput painter once inherited a legacy of mural painting as well as the book that explained the art. In it, they displayed a pictorial scheme with matching colour, to perfectly visualise the design. In his versions, he endeavoured to retain the complexions, costumes, and architecture; while making tiny adjustments of his own. His work had been popular because he successfully created some balance between the two: and it signified the fact that the world of natural environment was merely borne of the eyes of a human. Through his work he was able to make use of colour to specifically address a certain mood or image; while still keeping true to the roots of the said art.

Colour no longer remains to be just a product of the refraction of light; but instead, colour has become an optical perception that is truly essential in impressionistic art. Light is what gives art life. Dark and shadows, which represent much of European art, is absent in a typical Tanjore painting. Indeed there are significant differences from the then and now in terms of how colours are manipulated but one thing remains the same- Tanjore paintings are still one of the most beautiful works of art this world has seen through the years.

Author Bio: Rolf Harris Paintings Beryl Cook Paintings

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