Durga, Kali, and Five Matrikas Battle the Daitya Army of the Demon Shumbha: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya
As the Daitya army approaches, Matrikas spring from the bodies of Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Shiva, and Skanda, who are readily identifiable: Brahma sitting on a swan, Vishnu on the bird Garuda, Indra on an elephant, Maheshwari on a bull, and Kumari on a peacock. The Devi Mahatmya text celebrates Durga’s victory over the Daitya Asuras, who embody unchecked human emotions.
Artwork Details
- Title: Durga, Kali, and Five Matrikas Battle the Daitya Army of the Demon Shumbha: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya
- Date: ca. 1780
- Culture: India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)
- Medium: Ink, wash, and translucent watercolor on paper
- Dimensions: Image (sight): 7 5/8 x 11 3/8 in. (19.4 x 28.9 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Subhash Kapoor, in memory of his parents, Smt Shashi Kanta and Shree Parshotam Ram Kapoor, 2008
- Object Number: 2008.359.11
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Northern India, Guler, Himachal Pradesh
ca. 1740
Manaku
ca. 1725
Nainsukh
ca. 1760–65
India, Deccan, Aurangabad (?)
late 18th century
Stipple Master
Jai Ram
ca. 1712
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.