The following painting is an illustration to the DeviMahatmya which is the fourth and penultimate part of the MarkandeyaPurana. 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.
This painting is executed in a distinct Pahari style from the state of Mandi. The present lots are likely of the earlier masters of the Mandi court, before Sajnu influenced the Kangra- Guler Style into the workshop. Another painting from this series sold at Christie’s New York, 11 September 2018, lot 382 for $5,000.