Pen-and-ink and wash drawing of a sculpture of Mahishamardini from the Ravana Phadi Cave at Aihole, by an Indian draftsman, dated 1853.
The main figure depicted in this drawing is the goddess Mahishamardini, slaying the buffalo-demon. This large sculpture panel is situated on the right wall in the antechamber to the shrine of the Ravana Phadi cave at Aihole, excavated in the late sixth century during the Chalukya period. The goddess is crushing under the weight of her left leg the buffalo-demon Mahisha. With the other left hand she holds the upraised head of the buffalo. She holds the trisula (trident, a Shiva iconography) and the sword in two right hands. Another right hand holds a parrot and another a chakra (Vishnu iconography). One left hand carries a conch, another a shield, another a bow and another is placed on the mouth of the demon. Her face shows her perfect composure and her youthful body is strong and vigorous. On the left of the goddess is her lion vehicle.
The upper and lower sketches show elaborate conical high headdress (brocaded headwear, caps and crowns), jewelry and cultural motifs in 7th century India.
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