India is known for its art and culture. Every corner of India is popular for its unusual form of art. Tanjore Painting is one of the most prominent types of traditional South Indian paintings. It is the indigenous art form of Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) city of Tamil Nadu. The intense composition, exterior richness and vivacious shades of Indian Thanjavur Paintings differentiate them from the other kinds of paintings. Then, there are accompaniments of precious stones, pearls and glass pieces that supplement and add to their charm. The relief work gives them a three dimensional appearance which is more popularly known as the 3D effect. Tanjore Painting of India was derived in the 16th century, in the sovereignty of the Cholas.

A majority of these paintings rotate around the subject of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, along with saints. The chief figure is always painted at the center of the painting. These paintings are also locally called Palagai Padam where palagai means wooden plank and padam means picture as they paintings are mostly done on solid wood boards.

Tanjore paintings involve a couple of intricate steps. The first step includes the sketching of the introduction sketch of the image on the base. This base is prepared from a cloth, which is glued over a wooden stand. The next step involves the mixing of chalk powder or zinc oxide with water-soluble adhesive and applying it on the base. Thereafter, the drawing is made and ornamented with cut glass, pearls as well as semi-precious stones. Besides, colorful and attractive laces or threads are also used to embellish the painting. To further enhance the outcome, wafer thin sheets of gold are glued on a few portions of the painting, whereas the other portions are painted in vivid colors.

There are a huge number of people who still take interest in learning this form of art adding their contemporary touch to it.