{"id":1793,"date":"2026-05-23T15:25:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T15:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshika.net\/?p=1793"},"modified":"2026-05-31T07:53:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T07:53:59","slug":"devi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshika.net\/index.php\/2026\/devi\/","title":{"rendered":"Devi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Humans have always imagined fantastical creatures that combine human and animal forms, such as centaurs, mermaids, and sphinxes. Why not extend our imagination using the scientific tools and reach into the microbial world? As I searched for inspiration in Indian folklore online, I stumbled across recent cases of witch hunts. Advanced electron microscopy of creatures invisible to the naked human eye and lynching of women are happening contemporaneously. Through this dissonance, I created a drawing series called ‘Devi,’ which translates to ‘goddess’ in Hindi.  From a young age, I was entranced, shocked, irritated and inspired by the diverse forms, powers, and adventures of Hindu goddesses featured in mythological stories. In these drawings, I create new goddesses from the spirits of women unjustly executed as witches, merging with microbial life forms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Phageshree Devi<\/strong> She is part woman, part virus, wrongfully lynched after a neighbour accused her of bewitching a child with cholera. As her spirit mingled with the waters of the Ganges River, it united with the bacteriophage, a virus that devours bacteria. She takes charge of keeping the Ganges clean, commanding an army of phages while racing on her river crocodile (Gharial). Despite her tireless efforts, she faces an endless stream of filth as humans wash away their sins in the Ganges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Penicillima Devi<\/strong> She stands as a symbol of strength and knowledge. A local medicine man, envious of her extensive knowledge of herbs and traditional healing, accused her of witchcraft. Her spirit fused with Penicillium, the mould that produces antibiotics. She rides her weaver ant, skillfully extracting medicinal potions from the earth and healing the sick with quiet determination. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Rhizobai Devi<\/strong> After her father’s death, her relatives labelled her a witch simply because she inherited valuable fertile land. Her spirit merged with Rhizobium, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and she now resides underground, using her flute to guide the roots of leguminous plants toward her and the bacteria. The bacteria and plants then form a powerful symbiotic relationship, in which the bacteria enrich the soil with fixed nitrogen, while the plants provide sustenance for the bacteria.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n



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    Humans have always imagined fantastical creatures that combine human and animal forms, such as centaurs, mermaids, and sphinxes. Why not extend our imagination using the scientific tools and reach into the microbial world? As I searched for inspiration in Indian folklore online, I stumbled across recent cases of witch hunts. Advanced electron microscopy of creatures<\/p>\n

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