Thanjavur: Origin of the Art Plate
Tamil Nadu is renowned for having special benefits over multiple art forms. Being in a land full of rich ancestral heritage sure does have its perks. Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore, is the 11th largest city in Tamil Nadu, with abundant knowledge and culture; the city has undergone multiple monarchies. Having several dominions benefited in moulding and altering the city’s pre-existing culture. The Thanjavur Art Plate is an immaculate example of such.
Ethnic Inheritance
India has always been a nation with hospitality at its forefront. Where the guest’s leisure overlooks the host’s displeasure. In the Hindu-Buddhist philosophy, the phrase, “Athithi Devo Bhava” simply transcribed as a guest is equivalent to God, originated long ago. As a memento of appreciation and for a keepsake the plaque was provided to the visitors by the artisans.
Rajah Serfoji-II, a Maratha ruler in the 18th century, introduced the art plates in Thanjavur; motivated artisans to originate metal craftsmanship to imitate the kingdom’s honour.
The art plates were initiated during the Maratha Dynasty as a gift to the guests of the kingdom. The Vishwakarma community, who preferred to be called Vishwabrahmins, generally consisted of goldsmiths who were the creators of the art plaques.
Thanjavur Art Plate: Deciphered
The circular plate consisting of metals such as silver, copper, and bronze is engraved with deities or floral arrangements in the centre of the plate, imprinted to symbolise prosperity and success to the receiver.
The art plate comprises three elements, the base plate, typically made out of brass, a circular plate of metals with the primary relief comprising deities, and the secondary relief encompassing floral arrangements and geometric figures.
The base plate is hammered onto a sticky board with the help of wax and asphalt. To commence with the primary relief, the artisan ensures that the base plate is secured to the board. This primary relief consists of stamps or emblems made up of copper or silver. The secondary relief, attached to the primary relief consists of shaped strips of floral and geometric accents.
The art plate usually features deities like Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Laxmi and flowers like lotus signifying eternity. Despite each motif differing from the others, the placement of symbols remains definite to ensure the geometric appeal.
Thanjavur Art Plate: Present-time
Unfortunately, what was once an artisanal sector is now in the present-day an endangered tradition. With the rising dog-eat-dog industry, the artefact has a lesser need and want. Although authorities registered the Thanjavur Art Plates for protection under the Geographical Identification (GI) of the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Act in 2007, the art form of procuring Art Plates remains vulnerable and may even be considered at risk due to inadequate public recognition and incentive. Safeguarding their viability and at the same time their cultural heritage should become our top priority.
In Conclusion
The Thanjavur Art Plate industry uses the cluster strategy where each step becomes dependent on the other. The first stage is equipped with a heavy metal worker, the second with a jeweller, and the final step with a diamond setter. Thus, making the artefact come together solely through teamwork, coordination, and cooperation. With expert planning and curation, these skills add depth to the arts content. Even with increasing competition the art form still holds prestige over the art’s uniqueness, history and origin, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s firm hold over traditional art even in the present modern era.
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By Soumya Kotian
