Siva. Durga Mahishasuramardini, from Gurjara-Pratihara

It has often been observed that Indian sculpture has the graceful character of the dance, and, indeed, the relationship between the conceptions of a figure in statuary and in the movements of dancing is a close one. We mentioned the characteristic feature the Hindus call prana or 'in-breath,' which also pervades Indian sculpture: along with the grace of the dance, this in-breath is the vital force within every sculptured figure in Indian art. Here, in the examples of Siva and Durga, the dance-like attitude is clearly present, as well as the 'in-breath' feature of lively energy. The metallic treatment of the stone's surface is noticeable in both figures, especially in the jewel-like details of costume, adornments, and in the faces. The Hindu conception of the omnipotent divine force is threefold and is represented by three aspects, creative, protective, and destructive, as personified in three gods or natures of the One Divine Force respectively: Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. Siva, the god illustrated in (a), is portrayed with many arms (usually four, eight in this case), clothed in a tiger skin, and wearing serpents for jewelry. In the center of his forehead is his third eye (the all-seeing aspect of the god), and his hair is piled in a mass of locks atop his head in the fashion of a pyramidal crown ornamented with an ascetic's symbol of the crescent moon. In some manifestations, Siva is called Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. His posture is always dance-like, however, for the god is the epitome of grace. In the (b) example, Durga, 'she who is unconquerable,' is shown mounted on her lion vehicle and slaying the great demon, Mahesa. Durga (also known as Uma, Parvati or Ma Kali) is Siva's wife in her warlike and conquerin aspect. She is portrayed with a serene and beautiful face despite her fierce activity in dueling with the monster, and when in battle, as in this case, her arms are multiplied to as many as ten. Above her are two celestials providing moral support. -- (a) Siva. (b) Durga Mahishasuramardini, from Gurjara-Pratihara. 9th-10th Centuries. London, British Museum