Paintings of Tamil nadu
In the evolution of human cognitive expressions, painting is a significant milestone. Paintings fundamentally are made up of lines and colours. Humans used lines that enfold the space to fashion both abstract and real forms. What began as drawing lines to represent abstract forms several millenniums ago slowly evolved into depiction of real forms. What constitute the cornerstone of Indian painting per se are the strong lines and bold colours used to capture the volume and mass of the figures that are mostly imaginary and conventionalised.
It is no surprise that Vishnudahrmottara, the foremost work on Indian arts and aesthetics, has an exclusive section on paintings. It declares that chitra (painting) is the “best of all arts. It gives the fruit of dharma, artha, kama and moksha. Wherever it is established in a house, it is the harbinger of the best of auspiciousness.”
In ancient India, Tamil Nadu being no exception, artists painted on cloth, leather, ceramics, and several other mediums. However, it is the murals and the ceramic art that survived the vicissitudes of time. This volume traces the history and development of painting in Tamil Nadu — from its beginnings in the form of rock art to modern schools of art — under several sequentially arranged chapters based on dynastic/periodic affiliations.
Tanjore Paintings
Tanjore Painting is one of the most popular forms of classical South Indian painting. It is the native art form of Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) city of Tamil Nadu. The dense composition, surface richness and vibrant colors of Indian Thanjavur Paintings distinguish them from the other types of paintings. Then, there are embellishments of semi-precious stones, pearls and glass pieces that further add to their appeal. The relief work gives them a three dimensional effect. Tanjore Painting of India originated during the 16th century, under the reign of Cholas/”>The Cholas.
Maratha princes, Nayakas, Rajus communities of Tanjore and Trichi and Naidus of Madurai also patronized Indian Thanjavur Paintings from 16th to 18th century. Most of these paintings revolve around the theme of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, along with saints.
Of the numerous steps involved in the making of a Tanjore Painting, the first involves drawing of the preliminary sketch of the image on the base. The base is made up of a cloth, which is pasted over a wooden base. The second step consists of mixing 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 and even semi-precious stones. Laces or threads may also be used to decorate the painting. To further augment the effect, wafer thin sheets of gold are pasted in relief on some parts of the painting, while the other parts are painted in bright colors.
The Tanjore style of paintings spring from a late phase of South Indian classical art, when the Society in which it originated was itself going through turbulent times. Needless to say, Tanjore paintings are informed by a syncretic style, notable for its assimilation of the contemporary diverse cultural influences – Tamil, Telugu, Maratha, European, Deccani, Folk, etc. The style drew heavily from the other major South Indian styles of painting which were all deeply influenced by the Vijayanagar school. The closest influences among these could be the Kalamkari and Tirupati paintings.
Tirupati paintings, in particular were produced in the famous temple town using different media and techniques, like painted terracotta reliefs, brass repousse works, paintings on paper and canvas, etc. The commonest examples were painted and gilded terracotta relief slabs of the deity, framed and packaged in neat wooden boxes which could be carried back as holy memorabilia and worshipped in the Puja room by the pilgrim-devotee. Paintings of the main deity, gilded and gem-set, in a manner similar to Tanjore paintings are also known.
Many of the traditional Indian artists were also patronised by Europeans, beginning with The Portuguese who landed on the west coast in 1498. Gradually the other Europeans followed suit and commissioned local artists to paint in the so-called company style. While no specific character or technique marked out the Company school of paintings, it can be understood to mean the large body of paintings painted by Indian artists in a mixed Indo-European style which would appeal to the Europeans who were employed by the various East India Companies.
Though the British patronised paintings tend to be grouped under the Company style of paintings, they were Tanjore paintings in spirit. In addition to being executed by the same traditional group of artists in Thanjavur and the neighbouring Tamil country, the style and characterisation in these paintings are very typically Thanjavur as against the style of say, Company paintings executed in Calcutta or Lucknow.,
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a number of different Art Forms, including painting. Tamil Nadu paintings are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and religious themes.
The earliest known Tamil Nadu paintings date back to the Chola period (9th-13th centuries). Chola paintings are characterized by their use of gold leaf, their depiction of Hindu deities, and their intricate floral patterns.
Pallava paintings, which date from the 7th-9th centuries, are similar to Chola paintings in style. However, Pallava paintings are often more abstract and less realistic than Chola paintings.
Pandya paintings, which date from the 9th-13th centuries, are characterized by their use of bright colors and their depiction of scenes from daily life.
Nayak paintings, which date from the 16th-18th centuries, are a fusion of Chola, Pallava, and Pandya styles. Nayak paintings are often very large and complex, and they often depict scenes from Hindu Epics.
Thanjavur paintings, which date from the 16th-18th centuries, are a type of Nayak painting that is particularly well-known for its use of gold leaf and its depiction of Hindu deities.
Chettinad paintings, which date from the 17th-19th centuries, are a type of Nayak painting that is particularly well-known for its use of bright colors and its depiction of scenes from daily life.
Karaikudi paintings, which date from the 18th-19th centuries, are a type of Chettinad painting that is particularly well-known for its use of intricate floral patterns.
Madurai paintings, which date from the 17th-19th centuries, are a type of Nayak painting that is particularly well-known for its depiction of scenes from Hindu epics.
Salem paintings, which date from the 18th-19th centuries, are a type of Nayak painting that is particularly well-known for its use of bright colors and its depiction of scenes from daily life.
Coimbatore paintings, which date from the 18th-19th centuries, are a type of Nayak painting that is particularly well-known for its use of intricate floral patterns.
Tiruchirappalli paintings, which date from the 18th-19th centuries, are a type of Nayak painting that is particularly well-known for its depiction of scenes from Hindu epics.
Tamil Nadu paintings are a beautiful and vibrant art form that reflects the rich history and culture of the state. If you have the opportunity to see a Tamil Nadu painting in person, I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
In addition to the above, here are some additional facts about Tamil Nadu paintings:
- Tamil Nadu paintings are often used to decorate temples, palaces, and other important buildings.
- Tamil Nadu paintings are also used to create religious objects, such as idols and sculptures.
- Tamil Nadu paintings are a popular tourist attraction, and they are often sold in souvenir shops.
- Tamil Nadu paintings are a valuable part of the state’s cultural heritage, and they are carefully preserved in museums and other institutions.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about paintings:
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What is painting?
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface (such as paper, canvas, wood, or even a person’s body) to create a work of art, illustration, or design, or to make a mark. The medium used can be liquid, solid, or in some cases, gas. -
What are the different types of painting?
There are many different types of painting, including oil painting, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, and fresco painting. Each type of painting has its own unique characteristics and techniques. -
What are the different styles of painting?
There are many different styles of painting, including realism, impressionism, expressionism, and cubism. Each style of painting has its own unique characteristics and techniques. -
What are the different materials used in painting?
The most common materials used in painting are paint, brushes, and canvas. However, other materials can also be used, such as paper, wood, and even the human body. -
What are the different techniques used in painting?
There are many different techniques used in painting, including brushstrokes, layering, and blending. Each technique has its own unique effect on the final painting. -
What are the different tools used in painting?
The most common tools used in painting are brushes, palette knives, and canvases. However, other tools can also be used, such as rollers, sprayers, and even the human hand. -
What are the different mediums used in painting?
The most common mediums used in painting are oil, watercolor, acrylic, and fresco. However, other mediums can also be used, such as gouache, pastel, and even ink. -
What are the different surfaces used in painting?
The most common surfaces used in painting are canvas, paper, wood, and even the human body. However, other surfaces can also be used, such as Metal, glass, and even plastic. -
What are the different purposes of painting?
Paintings can be used for many different purposes, including decoration, illustration, and even storytelling. They can also be used to express emotions, tell stories, and even record history. -
What are the different benefits of painting?
There are many benefits to painting, including Stress relief, creativity, and even improved hand-eye coordination. Painting can also be a great way to express yourself and connect with your emotions. -
What are the different challenges of painting?
One of the biggest challenges of painting is Learning the different techniques and skills required. Painting can also be a time-consuming and expensive hobby. However, the rewards of painting can be great, and it is a hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Paintings of Tamil Nadu:
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Which of the following is not a type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Paintings of Tamil Nadu -
Which of the following is the most common type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the oldest type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Cave paintings -
Which of the following is the most expensive type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Paintings of the Renaissance -
Which of the following is the most popular type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most difficult type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most versatile type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most durable type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most forgiving type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is the most expressive type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above