{"product_id":"mahishasura-mardini-in-kalighat-by-uttam-chitrakar-2","title":"Mahishasura Mardini in Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Kalighat painting by Uttam Chitrakar offers a powerful rendition of the traditional sacred iconography of Mahishasuramardini, seamlessly blending 19th-century folk art techniques with a profound portrayal of cosmic triumph and divine mythology. Originating near the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, this art style has historically been celebrated for its ability to capture religious devotion, folklore and complex narratives with absolute economy of line. This artwork captures the fierce warrior goddess thoroughly absorbed in vanquishing the buffalo demon to restore cosmic order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the heart of the composition stands the multi-armed Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardini, positioned centrally in a commanding posture. The goddess is depicted with long, flowing dark hair cascading down behind her back, a traditional bindi gracing her forehead, and her signature elongated, stylized almond eyes looking forward with focused, serene intensity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn a magnificent display of her divine status, her ten arms fan out in a symmetric, radiating arrangement behind her shoulders. With her central hands, she firmly wields a long, slender silver trident (trishul), driving it downward into the chest of the demon. In her other arms she holds pasha and ankusha (noose and goad), dhanushya-baan (bow and arrow), khadga (sword) and lotus flowers. Both her garments and form are adorned with delicate silver-white line-work that traces her contours and traditional jewelry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmerging at the base of the canvas is the defeated Mahishasura, completing the narrative scene. Having been forced out of his shape-shifting buffalo form, which lies collapsed under the goddess's foot, the human form of the demon cowers on the right, holding up a curved shield and sword in a futile attempt at self-defense. His face is turned upward toward his vanquisher with a look of stunned submission, while on the left, the goddess’s ferocious lion vehicle crouches forward with an open mouth and bared teeth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the upper edge is a stylized draped curtain, completing the majestic setting. Painted with clean, sweeping lines, the theatrical backdrop hangs overhead to mimic a classic temple stage setting brought into a sacred narrative space. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe painting features the Kalighat school's signature bold outlines, using thick, sweeping strokes. The color palette relies on a sophisticated harmony of monochromatic sepia, muted golds, and shimmering silver tones, all highlighted by meticulous line-work on the goddess's patterned crown (mukut), the textures of the textiles and the lion’s striped coat. By documenting a timeless slice of sacred Hindu lore through centuries-old folk art conventions, this piece beautifully honors the living, evolving spirit of Bengal’s regional art heritage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Uttam Chitrakar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45125020844246,"sku":null,"price":5000.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1194\/1498\/files\/Durga-Atop-a-Lion-in-Kalighat-by-Uttam-Chitrakar-1.jpg?v=1725606041","url":"https:\/\/www.memeraki.com\/products\/mahishasura-mardini-in-kalighat-by-uttam-chitrakar-2","provider":"Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}