Khandoba figure. India, Maharashtra, 18th century.

Khandoba figure. India, Maharashtra, 18th century.
Bronze.
Minor flaws, deformations and wear consistent with age and use.
Measurements: 15,5 cm.

The Hindu warrior Khandoba, a manifestation of Shiva, is represented in this sculpture on horseback with a sword in his hand and accompanied by Mhalsa, the goddess consort.

Khandoba is a Hindu deity worshipped as a manifestation of Shiva. He is also the patron deity of some of the warrior, agricultural, shepherd community and Brahmin (priestly) castes, as well as several of the hunter/gatherer tribes that are native to the hills and forests of this region. He has two wives who are women from different communities, who serve as cultural links between the god and the communities: Mhalsa and Banai. While Khandoba's first wife Mhalsa is from the Lingayat (Vani) trader community, his second wife Banai is a Dhangar (shepherd caste).