The present painting comes from a well known series on the Devi Mahatmya, is the fourth and penultimate part of the Markandeya Purana. The Devi Mahatmya interrupts the discourse between the sage Markandeya and his disciple Kraustiki. It consists of three stories that take place amidst a long battle between gods and demons. In the first, Devi (known by various names including Durga, Kaushiki, Ambika, Kali and Shakti) defeats Madhu and Kaitabha; in the second she kills Mahishasura and in the third, she returns to destroy the twin demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Written between the fifth and ninth centuries, this text led to the dramatic transformation of the female principle into a great goddess of cosmic powers.
The present painting depicts Durga atop her tiger mount defeating the demains Madhu and Kaitabha. The painting is executed in a distinct Pahari style from the state of Mandi. The signature green ground and bold style are typical of the earlier styles of the Mandi court, prior to when Sajnu brought the Kangra and Guler kalam to the workshops. Another painting from this series sold at Christie’s New York, 11 September 2018, lot 382 for $5,000.