Tanjore painting is the product of heterogeneous cultural strands of many dynasties of Tanjore territories. It has the components of folk, functional & classified form of art. Tanjore paintings in its definite form is the three dimensional effect, gold plated, gem set technique which replace the sacred icons of the hindu worshippers.

This type of art has been practised for about 200 years throughout the southern area between 1700-1900 AD. SINCE THE ART OF India is mainly based on religion and secularism, the new school of painting emerged during the maratha period  satisfied mostly the functional aspect of art. Since it is confined to static pictures. Tanjore painting with beautiful facial feature, strong finishing lines, contrast, pure color scheme, distinct costumes and jewelries, decorative architectural elements, variety of subsidiary figures, symmetrical designs and decorative components, above all these the characteristic feature of grand gilded and gem set  technique is no doubt, prove it is a classical traditional art.

Regarding the materials used in old paintings they were using indigenous natural materials which acted in so many ways to protect the paintings. But today with the wide range of amaterials available, the artist, chooses the easiest way of doing the painting by according some step in the process of completion of the work, results the poor longevity of the painting. There is absolutely no harm in using the modern materials available ine market today but it should satisfy and match the nature of the materials used traditionally.

Since the painting involved with so many materials, ranging from wood, cloth, paper, lime stone, colors, binding medium etc; it should be done  in a proper way, otherwise nay of the material may cause damage to the painting. Since this art comes under traditional form, artist should follow the code and reproduce the style strictly. If it is followed, this art will survive survive to the highest dimension of the traditional form.