Why in the news?

  • The Department of Posts transported a Thanjavur masterpiece depicting the Divine Shri Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya.

Thanjavur Painting (Tanjore Painting)

  • What is it?: Thanjavur Painting is a classical South Indian art form that originated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, around 1600 AD.
  • Patrons: The art form flourished under the Nayakas of Thanjavur.
  • Features:
    • It is traditionally executed on wooden panels called Palagai Padam.
    • Material Used: Created on canvas pasted on wooden planks, usually made from jackfruit or teak wood.
    • Characterised by vibrant and luminous colours, especially red, blue, green, and extensive use of gold, giving the paintings a regal appearance.
    • Gesso Work (Relief Technique): A distinctive feature involving a paste made of chalk, gypsum, and glue, applied to form raised, embossed designs, enhancing depth and ornamentation.
    • Primarily depict Hindu gods and goddesses, with common subjects including Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi, usually shown in a frontal posture.
    • Thanjavur paintings reflect the Bhakti tradition.
  • Recognitions: Awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag

Source: PIB

 

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