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.
A similar composition of this scene from the Paul Walters collection sold at Christie's New York 27 September 2017, lot 227 for $16,250.