THANJAVUR, INDIA, July 1, 2026 (Hinduism Today): Thanjavur painting, a distinctive South Indian devotional art form employing gold foil, stones and raised relief work, continues to be produced by artists who combine centuries-old techniques with modern materials and designs. Award-winning artists Vijayalakshmi Prabhakaran and Marimuthu Uthrapathi explain how the tradition developed under royal patronage and evolved from earlier temple mural styles. It now has Geographical Indication recognition from the Government of India.
Creating a traditional painting is labor-intensive, with apprentices preparing the boards, relief work, stones and gold while the master painter handles the crucial work of the Deity’s face. Artists today face competition from cheap imitations and the difficulty of attracting younger people to the profession, but growing domestic and international demand, social media sales and government support are helping sustain the craft. Both artists expressed confidence that Thanjavur painting will continue for future generations.
Source: https://www.hinduismtoday.com/the-glittering-gold-heritage-of-thanjavurs-famed-art-lives-on/