ISSN: 2265-6294

Iconographic Analysis of Goddess Durga (With Special Reference to Temple-Sculpture of Brahmaputra Valley of Assam)

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Anupam Borah, Sidhartha Goswami

Abstract

An elaborate description of figure-imagination of God and Goddesses, sculptural features, iconometry (standard measurement) are found in the Puranas, Samhitas, Tantras, Agamas and Silpasastras. The term ‘iconology’ includes the study of figure-imagination, sculptural features like pedestal, postures (hand postures, foot posture and body language), vehicle, weapon and headgear of God and Goddess and canons of sculptural art. On the basis of iconographic characteristic and canons of sculptural art the ancient artist used to create the statue of God and Goddess. So, without profound knowledge of Iconography it is difficult to specify the identity of ancient temple sculpture. In this research paper we are trying to specify the Iconographic identity of Goddess Durga found in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam on the basis of canonical theory as described in ancient masterpieces such as Matsypurana, Agnipurana, Vrishnudharmottar, Vrihat Samhita, KaranAgama, Anshumadabhed Agama, Tantrashastra along with the Silpo Sastras (Samarangana Sutradhara, Aparajitapicha, Mansara, Silparatna.) Durga is primitive power. Agama and Tantra Sastra established Durga as Prakriti (mother-nature). She is very much unique among the other God and Goddesses. She declares her existence in Indian psychology with an independent divine self. A multiple identity of Goddess Durga is found in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. However, the temple architecture and temple sculpture found in Assam have different sculptural features.

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