Introduction Tanjore painting or Thanjavur painting is a unique south Indian Painting style. It takes it name after its place of origin, Thanjaur. Thanjavur is an ancient Tamil city dating back to 9th Century A.D and earlier. Thanjavur has been a renowned centre of art, architecture and music. Thanjavur painting with its vibrant colours and gold omamentation is datable to the 16th century Maratha period of Thanjavur. However, its themes and style could trace to the earlier 15th century Nayak wall mural painting that adom many temples and palaces in Thanjavur.