Inside Thanjavur’s timeless art: How rising costs are challenging a 1,000-year tradition

The historic town of Thanjavur, known for its rich artistic heritage, continues to captivate art lovers with its iconic paintings and traditional dolls. However, artisans say rising material costs are casting a shadow over their centuries-old craft.

Dating back to the era of King Raja Raja Chola the First and later flourishing under the reign of Seforji the Second, the town has long been celebrated for its distinctive artistic traditions. Among its most famous creations are the intricate Thanjavur painting and the charming head-nodding dolls known as Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai.