Thanjavur painting is a distinct south Indian art form developed under the Maratha rulers — characterised by rich, flat colours, gold foil applied over gesso relief work, and embedded semi-precious stones around the central figure, which is almost always a Hindu deity. The best examples have an intensity of colour and a layered three-dimensionality quite unlike any other painting tradition: the figures stand slightly proud of the surface, outlined and jewelled.
The studios and shops concentrated around the palace area and along Gandhi Road vary enormously in quality and price. At the lower end, printed backgrounds with minimal hand-finishing are common; genuine Thanjavur paintings involve careful gesso work, real gold leaf or foil, and hours of skilled hand-painting. Ask to watch the process in a working studio before buying, and compare several pieces side by side to develop an eye for quality. Good medium-sized pieces start at around 5,000 rupees; significant works by established artists cost multiples more.