Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting native to the town of Thanjavur. This art form dates back to about 1600, a period when Nayakas of Thanjavur encouraged art.

Tanjore Paintings are known for their surface richness, vivid colours and compact composition. Hindu gods and goddesses make up the themes of most of these paintings. Episodes from Hindu tradition are drawn upon as elaboration to the main figure / figures placed in the central section of the picture. Tanjore paintings are in fact panel paintings (done on solid wood planks ) and hence were also referred to as 'palagai padam'( palagai - wooden plank ; padam- picture) in local parlance.

In modern times, these paintings have become a much sought after as collectors' item by art lovers.