Amba

Over the centuries, life in India has been very closely linked with the temples. They were a major inspiration for dedicated artistic endeavor. The Kalamkari tradition flourished directly under the patronage of the temples. Hence, iconic figures of gods and deities form a central theme for this craft tradition.

What we see here is one of the most invoked forms of the Great Goddess. Her iconographic representation is of a youthful woman who is brilliant like the light of a thousand suns arisen at once. The face of this eight-armed deity has the glory of a lotus flower. With two front hands, she makes a gesture of protection and a gesture of boon bestowing. In the right hands she holds a sword, a noose and a conch; in the left hands are a shield, bow and arrow and a discus. A trishula is placed towards the right, across her body. The details suggest that she is the feminine form of Vishnu (Narayani). Her many weapons underscore the idea that the goddess incorporates the power of all deities. She has a peaceful and a serene face with beautiful oval eyes. Around her head is an elaborate halo. This Kalamkari work depicts Devi in her benevolent or 'saumya' form. She wears on her head a karanda mukut studded with jewels. Lithely poised on her vahana, the lion, she looks graceful and dignified. The magnificent lion strides across the surface of the fabric like a stealthy threat.

Placed in a decorative niche is the iconic figure of Durga who projects an overwhelming omnipotence. The colors used here are few and dull but the picture throbs with life in strong outlines of black. The border has twin lines of heart shaped pattern, which adds to the beauty of the picture.

The description by Kiranjyot