This is a preparatory sketch by Raja Ravi Varma for the picture of Gangavatran or the Descent of Ganga. The painting was printed as a chromolithograph by the Ravi Varma Press with the title 'Gangavatran.' In this preparatory sketch, Varma studies the pose for Parvati (Lord Shiva's wife). In this sketch, Parvati rests on Nandi as she views the descent of Ganga.