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Chennai: The world-famous Thanjavur Art Plates, an ancient handicraft unique to the town in South Tamil Nadu, have been hit due to shortage of artisans.
The plates embossed with eye-catching motifs have been in demand from both within the country and overseas for several centuries since the art was brought to Thanjavur by the Maratha king Sarofoji in the late 18th century.
However, with the number of artisans involved in the work dropping, the plate manufacturing centres dotting the dusty and narrow lanes of the town, considered the art capital of Tamil Nadu, are facing problems in meeting the demand.
Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development authorities say they were receiving orders from US, UK and the Middle East, but could not meet the demand as the craftsmen involved in making the plates for generations are depleting in strength.
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