Chola Impressions - Blog #evolutionChola Impressions - Blog #evolutionhttps://www.cholaimpressions.com/blogs/tag/evolutionTue, 31 Mar 2026 03:39:32 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[This day, That Age: Modern Times]]>https://www.cholaimpressions.com/blogs/post/this-day-that-age-modern-timesHow Tanjore Paintings have evolved over time]]>

How Tanjore Paintings evolved over time

Krishna Tanjore Painitng by Chola Impressions
Krishna Tanjore Painitng by Chola Impressions




  • Thanjavur paintings continue to be made even to the present day, though not with the rigour and virtuosity that marked the paintings of yore. 'Revival' programmes, Exhibitions, Workshops and Training camps on Thanjavur paintings are being held regularly by many institutions including State Governments. 
  • The materials used have also changed according to the cost, ease of availability and the choice of individual artists. Plywood, for example has by and large replaced Jack and teak wood. 
  • Synthetic colours and adhesives are preferred over the natural and mineral colours and other traditional components. In addition to the traditional subjects, a wide range of popular and modern subjects and themes are being depicted in Thanjavur paintings. 
  • While it is a happy development that this traditional art continues to hold its sway, the brazen commercialisation and lack of aesthetics are disturbing trends. Be that as it may, Thanjavur paintings - the style and aesthetics continue to inspire many contemporary artists. 
  • The Calendar prints of C. Kondiah Raju and his student followers, marked by an iconic solidness as against the western naturalism of Raja Ravi Varma, are examples of the continued influence of Tanjore paintings in modern, popular and academic art.
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]]>Sat, 04 Apr 2015 19:12:00 +0530<![CDATA[Tanjore Paintings - Origins]]>https://www.cholaimpressions.com/blogs/post/tanjore-paintings-overviewThe history of Tanjore Paintings dates back to Marathas conquest of South India during 16th century. Thanjavur Paintings flourished under the patronage of the Nayak & Maratha princes in the 16th to the 18th centuries.]]>





The history of Tanjore Paintings dates back to Marathas conquest of South India during 16th century. Thanjavur Paintings flourished under the patronage of the Nayak & Maratha princes in the 16th to the 18th centuries. 


 


The art was practiced by two main communities namely - the RAJUS in THANJAVUR and TRICHY and NAIDUS in MADURAI [a city ruled by PANDIYAS]. The artists [Rajus & Naidus] who are originally Telugu speaking people from "Rayalseema" region, moved to Tamil Nadu in the wake of the Nayaks rule of Madurai & Tanjore. The paintings were rooted in tradition and innovation was limited. The art was sacred to those master craftsmen who chose to be anonymous and humble.
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