Why in News?

The Department of Posts Transports a Priceless Thanjavur Masterpiece of The Divine Shri Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya using its Logistics Post service.

• Thanjavur painting (also known as Tanjore painting) is a classical South Indian art form originating from the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu around 1600 AD.
• Origins - The style flourished under the patronage of the Nayakas of Thanjavur and later reached its zenith during the Maratha rule (17th–19th centuries).
• Renowned for its opulence, it is characterized by rich, vivid colours, intricate gesso work (relief work), and the use of genuine 22-carat gold foil and semi-precious stones.
• Key Features & Technique
  • Materials - Traditionally done on wooden planks (typically jackfruit or teak), leading to the local name Palagai Padam. Modern versions often use plywood.
  • Gesso Work - A paste of limestone powder and Arabic gum is used to create embossed, 3D patterns.
  • Gold Embellishment - Thin sheets of 22-carat or 24-carat gold foil are pasted over the relief work to provide a lasting, glittering sheen.
  • Ornaments - The paintings are often inlaid with glass beads, pearls, or semi-precious stones to highlight jewellery and architectural elements like arches (Prabhavalis).
• Common Themes
  • The primary subjects are devotional, featuring Hindu deities and scenes from religious texts:
  • Krishna - Popular depictions include "Butter-Thief Krishna" or Yashoda-Krishna.
  • Lakshmi & Ganesha - Often used for pooja rooms to signify prosperity.
  • Mythological Events- The coronation of Rama (Rama Pattabhishekam) and the wedding of Meenakshi (Meenakshi Thirukalyanam) are recurring themes.
• GI Tag - Thanjavur paintings were officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007.

Reference

PIB | Thanjavur Masterpiece