Question

This statue was probably next to or on the outside of a Hindu temple, which is huge in connecting believers with their gods. The hindu temples are basically built with a high central tower in their centers that is supposed to serve as high enough to reach the heavens and thus the actual gods .. These gods would then take form in physical statues, sort of inhabiting the space, and is central in Hindu practice - believers perform 'puuja' or devotional activities to the gods like dancing, etc, to curry favor. They also use the statues as a place to give the gods offerings like fruit or gifts.