Textile Panel with Demonic Battle Scenes, Likely from the Devi Mahatmya

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 15th-century textile panel Nepal's Kathmandu Valley transports visitors into the epic battles of Hindu mythology. Likely drawn from the *Deviatmya*—a revered scripture in the *Markandeya Purana*—it depicts fierce confrontations between gods and demons, celebrating the goddess Durga's (Devi's) victory over chaos and evil. Such scenes were central to devotional storytelling in medieval South Asia, blending spirituality with dramatic narrative to inspire awe and faith among worshippers. Crafted using silk embroidery on polished cotton, the panel exemplifies the masterful technique...