1. Head of Siva Sandstone, 5th century, Mathura region
Gallery 20. Central plinth against wall.

This powerful sculpted head of Siva Mahadeva (the Great God) is shown with the matted locks of a yogic ascetic, the vertical third eye of divine insight, and the rapt gaze of serene meditation and detachment.
Further images of Siva from different periods are on display in the Indian Gallery, one of which is discussed below. The other images of Siva that can be seen are a stone head and a three-headed standing image from Kashmir (Case 9) ; and around the corner to the right (Case 20) a 19th century gilt bronze image from Thailand showing a ten-armed Siva on the back of his bull Nandi.

2. Nandi statuette Bronze, 15th century, Vijayanagar, Deccan
Gallery 20. Case 11.

This finely modelled bronze Nandi, with his cheerful smile, is depicted as usual in the same reclining pose as the Object of the Month. An object such as this would have formed part of a household shrine to Siva.

3. Siva Nataraja (Siva as Lord of the Dance) Bronze, 15th century, Vijayanagar, Deccan. Gallery 20. Case 12.

This fine bronze shows one of the most famous iconic forms of Siva in South India. Framed by a ring of fire, the four-armed god dances his cosmic dance of Creation and Destruction. In his upper hands, he holds a flame and a hand-drum; another hand is raised in a gesture telling his devotees not to fear, while the fourth points to his raised foot, the worship of which leads to salvation. His other foot bears down on a recumbent dwarf who represents spiritual ignorance.