Vishnu is among the most important deities of Hinduism. Along with Brahma and Shiva, Vishnu forms the principal trinity of Hindu religious practice. In his many forms, Vishnu is regarded as the preserver and protector. This large vishnu is believed to be from the Pala empire - an imperial power from the Late Classical period of the Indian subcontinent. The Palas were noted as both diplomats and military conquerors - their army was famed for their immense war elephant corps with estimates ranging from five thousand to fifty thousand animals at the empires peak. Translated from Sanskrit Pala means ‘protector’ thus during the reign of the Pala empire the symbol of Vishnu was especially potent. This larger piece was probably worshipped in a temple or a large household’s shrine.