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MAHISHASURAMARDINI
DURGA SLAYING THE BUFFALO DEMON
UTTAR PRADESH OR MADHYA PRADESH, 10
TH
- 11
TH
CENTURY
Sandstone
33.75 in (85.5 cm) high
Rs 3,00,00,000 ‒ 5,00,00,000
$ 447,765 - 746,270
NON‒EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY
PROVENANCE
Property from an Important Family Collection
This majestic sculpture shows the moment of
Durga’s victory over the demon, a metaphor for
the triumph of good over evil. “In her triumph
over the buffalo‒demon, she annihilates the
forces of evil, no matter what their form. She is
the omnipotent protector and the universal
mother.” (Susan S Bean, “Vessels for the Goddess:
Unfired‒Clay Images of Durga in Bengal,”
Pratapaditya Pal ed.,
Goddess Durga: The Power
and the Glory
, Mumbai: Marg Publications, 2009,
p. 39) Durga, the primary deity, in characteristic
iconography, has multiple arms and is shown
holding her attributes: a
vajra
,
chakra
, shield,
bow, and sword. With her trident, she slays
the buffalo, who collapses at her feet. Her
mount, the lion, joins in the battle by biting
the hindquarters of the demon. The demon
Mahishasura is shown emerging from the body
of the slain beast. Celestial beings and figures
from the pantheon grace the event on the
upper stele. The goddess’s powerful stance in
victory is balanced by her complete composure
and delicate features, perfectly combining the
dynamic with the static in one truly iconic
image. Mahishasura, while emerging from the
neck of the bull in fatal defeat, also appears in
recumbent position at the base of the sculpture,
where he may be reflecting his destiny before
going into battle and his ultimate submission,
a unique feature expressing a consequence of
events. This superbly carved sculpture ranks as a
masterpiece of mediaeval sculpture from Central
India and is in remarkable overall condition.