Painting is an art that has been carefully passed down to several generations. Since time immemorial, the various art forms have been an inseparable part of man's life. Tanjore paintings continue to hold a special place in the modern era of the different forms of paintings. Glimpse the Tanjore painting collection of an enthusiast, and you will be sure to find a Ganesha Tanjore Painting.
The art of Tanjore painting was developed in the 16th century
The South Indian painting style, which was inaugurated from the temple town of Thanjavur, better known as Tanjore, is from where this ancient form of painting originated. In the 16th century, Tanjore paintings received patronage from the Marathas, Nayaks, Naidus, among other communities.
A majority of artists from Raju and Naidu communities created Tanjore paintings
According to history, artists from the Raju community of Tanjore and those from the Naidu community from Madurai were involved in creating the magnificent Tanjore paintings. Under the mighty Vijayanagara kingdom, these artists thrived. However, after the fall of Hampi, a section of the skilled artists relocated to Thanjavur. The artists drew inspiration from Vijayanagara and Maratha art, reflected in the paintings.
Quick facts about Tanjore paintings
- Tanjore paintings are christened after the Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu.
- The classical art form of South India is believed to have originated in the 16th century.
- According to historical records, the oldest Tanjore painting is believed to be approximately 40,000 years old.
- Rulers of the Vijayanagara Rayas especially encouraged this classic art form.
- Since their inception, Hindu Gods, Goddesses, Hindu spiritual leaders and heads have been the dominant subjects of the Tanjore paintings.
- Of them, the popularity of the Lord Ganesha Tanjore paintings has soared.
- The gifted artists from Tanjore created stunning Tanjore paintings were also involved in decorating Hindu places of worship, paramount buildings and iconic structures of the kingdom.
Ganesha Tanjore Painting
If you cannot get your eyes off a portrait of Lord Ganesha, which is painted in bright hues on a piece of wood, you can be assured that you are admiring a Ganesha Tanjore Painting. On taking a closer look at the composition of the painting, you will know for a fact that it is indeed a Tanjore artwork.
The ancient Tanjore paintings were created on a canvas that was pasted over a plank of wood. The wooden plan was made of either jackfruit or teak. Arabic gum was used as a binding element. French chalk or powdered limestone was also used.
Significance of Lord Ganesha for Hindus
Regarded as a patron of intelligence and wisdom, the Hindu God Ganesha is believed to be the remover of all obstacles. This Hindu God has found a place in almost all places of worship of the Hindus. During any auspicious occasion, the blessings of Lord Ganesha are invoked.
However, it must not be mistaken that Ganesha Tanjore Painting is the only painting of God's and Goddesses'. There are Tanjore paintings that have been created featuring deities of other religions.
The ancient Lord Ganesha Tanjore paintings
Tanjore paintings are a sight to behold, especially any Ganesha Tanjore painting. This ancient form of art has undoubtedly stood the test of time. Whenever the Hindu God Ganesha is portrayed, he grabs the attention. Lord Ganesha occupies the frame of the painting, and other co-related themes and subjects surround him. Take a walk down memory lane and catch a glimpse of the Tanjore paintings created by artisans of the by-gone era, and you will discover the logic. Concurrently, if you take a closer look at a modern-day Ganesha Tanjore painting, you will be surprised to note the same rule applies.
A contemporary Ganesha Tanjore painting
Lord Ganesha Tanjore's paintings have also changed with the changing times. The modern paintings behold their charm. However, they are made with a few variations. While the paintings are the same, it is the materials that are used to create the paintings that have changed. The same holds good for the Ganesha Tanjore painting. The use of vibrant colors and gold leaf embellishments define a Tanjore painting. Materials like precious stones, semi-precious stones, cut glass, and pearls are used to decorate the subject in the painting. Ancient artists involved in creating Tanjore paintings used natural colors. However, a contemporary artist takes advantage of chemical paints. Even today, a Ganesha Tanjore painting is one of the most sort-after Tanjore paintings.
