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Image : Plaque with the goddess Durga and attendants, Shunga period (ca. 2nd–1st century B.C.), 1st century B.C. Chandraketugarh, West Bengal, India Terracotta 10 1/2 x 7 7/8 in. (26.7 x 20 cm) This plaque is one of the largest and most important early Indian molded terracottas known. The identity of the main figure, the principal subject of a number of such early Indian plaques, is uncertain. She may be an early depiction of the goddess Durga, who was not thought to be represented prior to the third century. After this date Durga is usually shown, in a narrative format, as the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahisha, her multiple hands holding a bevy of weapons. Here, she displays a more pacific mien, her arsenal stuck into her coiffure like hairpins. The Museum's plaque shows the goddess with female attendants and male(?) supplicants within a shrine(?). Two columns with lotus capitals bearing atlantid figures, most probably yakshas (male deities associated with the earth's bounty), support the roof. Durga stands with left hand on hip, right hand in a boon-bestowing gesture pointing to a bowl held by a supplicant. Aside from her militant aspect, Durga is also associated with prosperity and in later plaques, coins fall from her hand. Female attendants shield her with a parasol, hold fans of peacock feathers(?), and support a large standard(?). The head of a kneeling supplicant is seen at the right. The function of these plaques is unknown. They may have been offerings or icons for personal devotion. Source : The Metropolitan Museum

I am indeed intrigued by this plaque & this description. I am quite interested in Iconography - therefore,I find your description/details of this plaque very interesting. I have visited Metropolitan Museum, but did miss out this plaque - it is so vast, almost endless ! This description is from the book or from the museum? Will it be possible for you to provide me with a bigger photograph ?

Shyamal Chatterji : This is the link - Goddess and Attendants http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/60005473

Thanks for the link. Went through it & saved the link too.Will u kindly let me know based on what reference material, the deity is identified as 'early Durga' ?

This is very interesting.... That umbrella is

Very strange looking, may be with the weapons spiking out of the head dress they are associating her as Durga....

I got a great chance to see this plaque at Metropolitan Museum of Arts in the last week.