Statue of Durga slaying Mahisasura, Dulmi, Manbhum District

Photograph of a sculptured slab representing Durga slaying Mahisasura at Dulmi, taken by Joseph David Beglar in 1872-73. In his descriptive notes of that area of 1865 Thomas Fraser Peppé wrote, "Near the river are two mounds formed of the debris of two or more fine temples. The altar piece of one was a ten-armed figure of Doorgah slaying the monster Mahisasoor. There are two groups of this subjects, one greatly mutilated, the other in good preservation, the arms and weapons all perfect and sharp cut." For followers of Shiva, Durga is Shiva's wife whilst for followers of Vishnu she is another form of Parvarti. For both, Durga represents a killer of demons and it is performing this role she is depicted in this sculpture.