Important Notice

GULER, CIRCA 1820
Gouache on paper heightened with gold
Image: 7.5 x 11.25 in (19.5 x 28.6 cm)
Folio: 10.25 x 14 in (26.1 x 35.6 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from a Distinguished Family Collection


Raktabija, literally meaning blood-seed, was an asura, or demon, who was nearly invincible. Through intense penance, he invoked Brahma to grant him a boon: that multiple forms of himself would spring from his blood the moment it hit the ground. He unleashed terror on rishis and anyone who opposed him. The devas approached the Trinity-Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva-to put an end to the growing threat he posed to the order of the world. They invoked Durga, who set out with an army to vanquish the demon. On hearing about the approaching army, Raktabija gathered his own army of demons and a fierce battle ensued. The lesser demons were easily killed, but Raktabija remained undefeated.

The present lot shows goddesses Durga and Kali, in addition to several of their manifestation as forms of Shakti, identifiable by the mounts they ride on. Their army launches a fierce attack on Raktabija. Each drop of his blood which hits the ground, gives rise to miniature versions of himself and an army of asuras springs forth from the ground. In the tale, eventually, Kali emerged from Durga, enraged and determined to put an end to this. She used a piece of an earthen pitcher, or khappar, to collect and drink Raktabija???s blood. In some versions of the story, her complexion is believed to have darkened as she imbibed his blood. Raktabija was finally vanquished only when Kali drank all his blood.
.
The story of Kali defeating Raktabija finds mention in the 5th-6th century Sanskrit text, Devi Mahatmaya, which is centred on Devi as the supreme deity. The folio is a literal illustration based on this text. "If the ruler was piously inclined, he would commission copies of standard religious texts-the Vishnu and Shiva... the Maha Lakshmi and Markandeya Purana (celebrations of the Devi)." (W G Archer, Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills, Volume I, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1973, p. xx) All the action is contained within the foreground of the painting, with a bare landscape stretching to the horizon, which alludes to the immensity of the scale of the battle.

A related example, part of a larger set, is illustrated in W G Archer, Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills, Volume II, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1973, p. 117, fig. 61 (ii). Also refer to Bonhams, London, 5 November 2014, lot 397.

Other similar works in: this auction  |  entire site