INDIA, GULER, CIRCA 1780

This painting is an illustration to the Devi Mahatyma which is the fourth and penultimate part of the Markandeya Purana, comprising Cantos 81 to 92 of the Purana and written between the fifth and ninth centuries. The Devi Mahatyma interrupts the discourse between the sage Markandeya and his disciple Kraustiki. The story of Durga, the great warrior goddess (known by various names including Ambika, Devi, Kali and Shakti) is one of three stories of the Devi Mahatmya. Kali represents the fierce aspect of Durga’s divine power. During a long battle between the gods and demons, Durga is enlisted to fight the demon brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha. Kali, as emanation of Durga's ferocious capabilities, erupts from her forehead as wild-haired, emaciated warrior wearing a necklace of skulls. She beheads the generals of the asura army, Chanda and Munda, and presents their heads to Durga. In turn, Durga crowns Kali with the victorious title, Chamunda.
For a very similar painting from the Devi Mahatyma Guler series of 1781 in the Lahore museum, see F.S. Aijazuddin, Pahari Paintings and Sikh Portraits in the Lahore Museum, London, 1977, no. 41(xvi), pg. 31, illus. pg.46.
For a brush drawing which may have served as a preparatory drawing for the Lahore Museum painted version or a similar series, see A. Topsfield (ed.), In the Realm of Gods and Kings, no. 74, pg. 184.