While in Thanjavur, you must shop for the famed Tanjore paintings, and the best place to do so is the government handicrafts emporium or the state handicrafts centre in Poompuhar. Not only are there ample choices available, but the prices are also quite reasonable. I’d give thumbs up to the government handicrafts emporium simply for showcasing several art forms of the area under one roof. Tanjore paintings usually depict Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from the ancient scriptures. Said to have originated in Thanjavur during the Maratha period in the 16th century, these paintings typically have a figure of a deity occupying the maximum space and housed in an enclosure in the form of an arch. These are bright in colour and embellished with semi-precious stones, and a 22-carat gold leaf is always pasted on the painting. A three-dimensional embossed effect is created by layering clay on the wooden board. Thanjavur paintings are great souvenirs so make sure these are on your shopping list.