These paintings represent the various forms of one of the principal deities of Hindu religion, Shiva also known as Mahadeva.
Shiva is known as “The Destroyer” within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu.
The iconographical attributes of Shiva are the Serpent, The Crescent Moon, The Holy River Ganga flowing from his hair, The Third Eye on his Forehead, The Trishula or Trident, as his Weapon, and The Damaru drum.