From the ninth through the thirteenth century, much of the southern part of the Indian subcontinent was ruled by the Chola Dynasty, a Tamil dynasty. This sculpture from the Chola period originally had three figures, but only two remain: Shiva, one of the main Hindu deities, and Parvati, his wife. The empty space in the center was originally occupied by Skanda, the son of Shiva and Parvati. This triad, known as the “Somaskanda,” was very popular in Tamil Nadu, South India. Shiva, the largest of the three figures, is sitting on a rectangular pedestal in the “royal ease” posture. One hand holds a small axe, while each of the other three hands forms a mudra. Parvati’s posture is a mirror reflection of her husband’s.