G. C. Dass, Kalighat Lithograph
Region / Date
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
ca. 1880–1885
Key Features
This striking and iconic lithograph presents Kali in her fierce yet protective aspect-Shri Shri Kali, the supreme embodiment of शक्ति and the destroyer of time (Mahakali).
Rendered in the distinctive Kalighat-inspired style, Kali appears with a bold, almost iconic front-facing form-large expressive eyes, a protruding tongue, and a commanding presence. Her stylized, almost “doll-like” appearance reflects early mass-produced devotional prints that were meant to be both accessible and spiritually potent.
She stands adorned with a garland of severed heads, each marked with sacred tilakas, symbolizing the destruction of ego and ignorance. In one hand, she wields a sacrificial blade-etched with the all-seeing eye-while in another she holds a freshly severed head, representing the cutting away of illusion (maya).
Her raised hands offer dual meanings: abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (boon-giving)-reminding devotees that even in her most terrifying form, Kali is ultimately compassionate and protective.
Framed within a temple-like arch, the composition evokes the sanctum of a shrine, drawing the viewer into a direct darshan (sacred viewing). The limited yet powerful color palette-deep blacks, reds, and ochres-heightens the intensity of her presence, making the image both devotional and visually arresting.
This print belongs to one of the earliest generations of lithographs produced in Kolkata after the arrival of printing technology in the 19th century. Such images played a crucial role in bringing divine iconography into everyday homes, democratizing access to sacred imagery.
Philosophically, Kali represents the ultimate truth: time consumes all, yet through surrender to the Divine, one transcends fear and मृत्यु (death). Her terrifying form is not destruction alone-but liberation.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 18 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving bold linework and hand-colored textures
Finish: Non-glare museum matte finish
Ideal For: Devotional altars, Shakta practitioners, and collectors of early Bengal print traditions
Why You’ll Love It
A powerful and authentic representation of Kali—raw, symbolic, and deeply rooted in Bengal’s devotional culture.
Order Now
Bring home Shri Shri Kali, a timeless image of शक्ति, protection, and transcendence beyond fear.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.
