Shiva also known as Mahadeva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Raja Ravi Varma depicts Shiva as Dakshinamurthy. Dakshinamurthy, literally south facing, is a representation of Shiva as a divine teacher of spirituality and yoga, who imparts knowledge and wisdom of a cosmic scale. Shiva is typically depicted seated cross-legged, as seen in the present lot. As Yoga Dakshinamurthy, he is shown seated with his right leg lowered, and his left leg folded, bound by a band.