Important Notice

KANGRA,CIRCA 1820
Inscribed in Nagari on the front and further inscribed in Nagari on the reverse
Gouache on paper heightened with gold
Image: 9 x 5.5 in (23.2 x 14.4 cm)
Folio: 11.75 x 8 in (29.9 x 20.9 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from a Distinguished Family Collection


The Dasamahavidyas, literally translated as "ten great goddesses," are forms of the Supreme Goddess, Shakti. Kali is the first of these ten forms, and the fiercest aspect of the goddess. According to the Devi Mahatmaya, an ancient text scripted during the an ancient text scripted during the 5th-6th century, she was born from the brow of the Goddess Durga. Kali emerged during Durga's battle with the demon Raktabija, and according to legend, went on a killing spree and attempted to destroy everything on sight. To stop her, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet putting an end to her rage. As seen in the present lot, the bones and skeleton strewn about the foreground are signs of her destructive power. Kali is depicted in this scene with eyes wide and tongue out in astonishment or anger, holding her four yantras, standing on the supine Shiva's chest. The conventional iconography of Kali paints her with a bluish-black complexion, four arms, and a necklace made of skulls, standing amidst cremation grounds. The reclined Shiva lying prostrate under the feet of Kali suggests that without the power of Kali (Shakti), Shiva is lifeless.

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