Home > Anthropology, Archaeology > Vol 12 2024 Abstract 3
Depiction of Various Forms of Mahishasura and Mahishasuramardini in Indian Art: Select Sculptures (11th–19th Centuries)
Ms. Ashu Saini

Abstract
The present paper aims to study and analyze the various forms of Mahishasura from tenth to nineteenth centuries from an art-historical perspective. It argues that the many forms of Mahishasura in stone and bronze sculpture evolved significantly over time, influenced by stylistic considerations. For this research, sculptures of Mahishasura were collected from the National Museum, New Delhi; the Allahabad Museum, Prayagraj; and the Indian Museum, Kolkata. Mahishasura, a demon from Hindu mythology, is frequently depicted in a variety of styles and forms in Indian art. This study attempts to discuss the representation of Mahishasura in five distinct forms in Indian sculpture: first, Mahishasura is depicted in his entirety as a buffalo; second, as only a severed head; third, as a buffalo head with a human body; fourth, as emerging in human form from the body of a buffalo; and fifth, as solely a human figure. Scholars such as T.A. Gopinath Rao, J.N. Banarjee, and Shanti Lal Nagar have explored various aspects of Mahishasura in Indian art. However, no substantial work has been done on the forms of Mahishasura that flourished specifically from tenth to thirteenth centuries. This article seeks to address this gap through a case study of the different forms of Mahishasura during this period. The paper will describe the evolution of Mahishasura’s forms and stylistic development using both bronze and stone mediums sculptures across different periods and regions.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaa.v12a3