37 MAHISHASURAMARDINI By Usta Gajdhar Ibrahim
Rajasthan, Bikaner, Samvat 1820 or 1763 A.D. Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper Folio 11 3/4 x 7 3/4 in (29.5 x 19.8 cm) Painting 8 x 5 1/2 in (20.2 x 13.8 cm)
Inscribed in devanagari: Sabi shri mata ji ri shri hajura ri najara dasarava ri usate gajadhara varamara [Ibrahim] samat 1820 miti asojasuda 22 or “A nazar given to His Highness on the 8th day of Dussehra by Usta Gajdhar Ibrahim, Samvat 1820…” The eight-armed figure of the goddess Durga has severed the buffalo head of Mahishasura releasing the actual demon who she proceeds to kill. Her vahana, the tiger-like lion mount, has gotten into the act and takes a bite out of the body of the buffalo. Clearly the asura holding only a club is no match to this goddess. She holds a variety of attributes: weapons—a katar or punch-dagger, a sword, lance, discus, and rope as well as an umbrella, a snake, and a kapala or skull cup ready to collect the blood of the demon.
88
An inscription on the reverse identifies the painter as Usta Gajdhar Varam (Ibrahim) and gives the information that the painting was given as a nazar to a ruler. Details of the painting suggest that this artist came from the line of the famous artists of Bikaner, Ruknudddin and his son, the first Ibrahim in the line. Names in the family repeat quite often over the generations. Thanks to Naval Krishna for taking a look at the inscription and offering insights. For a discussion of Ruknuddin, his family, and followers see: Naval Krishna, “Bikaneri Miniature Painting Workshop of Ruknuddin, Ibrahim and Nathu,” Lalit Kala 21 (1990), 23-37.