Introduction

The name Tanjore paintings refers to a certain styles of painting, which attained a characteristic form in the Tanjore area during the Maratha period. During their rule, the impact of Maratha culture and their religious concepts were depicted through the Tanjore paintings. The major Kinds of painting are paintings of the deities and saints, portraiture both courtly and secular, painting on exotic media like ivory and glass, murals and painted illustration in manuscripts are the other important kinds. The distinctive characteristic of Tanjore paintings is their gold gilt and gem set technique. These paintings are large in size and usually framed. The support material used for this type of painting is wood. The composition mostly is the portraiture of Raja and Rani in seated posture. The costumes and the ornaments are mostly of Deccan type particularly of the Maratha region. The drawing of thefigures is monumental and robust. The firm clear brush outlines are no doubt descendants of a long anterior tradition.

The paintings have strong sky blue or red as background. The colour schemes of these pictures are usually strong, Whatever the colours, the important role is played by the gold, which tends to bind and hold the picture in its decorative structure.