The story
Thanjavur was the capital of the Cholas and later the Nayaks and Marathas, whose courts supported painters, metal-workers and instrument makers. Thanjavur paintings use gold foil and gesso work, and art plates combine brass, copper and silver repoussé. The bobble-head Thanjavur dolls and jackwood veenai are made by small family workshops. Six Thanjavur crafts now hold GI tags.
In numbers
Thanjavur Paintings (application 47), Thanjavur Art Plate (63), Thanjavur Doll (96), Thanjavur Veenai (209) and Thanjavur Netti Works (423) are registered GIs.
GI Registry — Intellectual Property India (applications 47, 63, 96, 209, 423)
GI tag
- Thanjavur PaintingsApplication no. GI Application No. 47 (Certificate No. 32)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 47
- Thanjavur Art PlateApplication no. GI Application No. 63 (Certificate No. 42)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 63
- Thanjavur DollApplication no. GI Application No. 96 (Certificate No. 89)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 96
- Thanjavur VeenaiApplication no. GI Application No. 209 (Certificate No. 188)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 209
- Thanjavur Netti WorksApplication no. GI Application No. 423 (Certificate No. 367)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 423
Ways in for a newcomer
- Corporate gifting with Thanjavur art plates and paintings
- Online sales with GI authenticity cards
- Framing, packaging and shipping services for artisans
- Craft workshops and heritage tourism
Problems the cluster faces
- Cheap printed copies sold as Thanjavur paintings
- Gold-foil and metal cost increases
- Slow, labour-intensive work and few apprentices
- Weak direct market access for artisans
Businesses to start here
Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →Pooja Brass Wares (Idols, Lamps, Bells) →Gold Plating of Optical Frames and Jewellery (Job Work) →