Durga, Kali, and the Matrikas Battle the Demon Raktabija: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya

Attributed to a first-generation master after Nainsukh Indian

ca. 1780

Not on view

Following the route of the Daitya army, the demon Raktabija attacks the goddess Kali. Initially, this foe seemed invincible because with each drop of his blood that fell on the ground another demon sprang up. However, the emaciated Kali was able to consume the falling blood, allowing the demon to be defeated. Here, Raktabija defends himself from Durga’s multi-armed assault, while the demons being created out of his wounds stand along Kali’s extended tongue.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Durga, Kali, and the Matrikas Battle the Demon Raktabija: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya
Artist: Attributed to a first-generation master after Nainsukh (active ca. 1735–78)
Date: ca. 1780
Culture: India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)
Medium: Ink, ocher and underdrawing
Dimensions: Image (sight): 8 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (22.2 x 29.8 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: 2008.359.22
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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