This is Karthikeya, son of Shiva and Parvathi. Here, the identification is based on his vahana, a peacock. The peacock’s name is Paravani. Karthikeya’s primary attribute is Vel, a lance-like weapon. His right-hand posture suggests he is meant to be holding one.

Karthikeya or Murugan’s worship is centred around Tamil Nadu. Karthikeya is normally shown with four or twelve arms. The two-hand depictions are also popular in Tamil Nadu, mainly as Murugan and Palani Andavar.

This bronze is from Kerala and was probably part of the finial of a lamp. It is about 8 cm tall. This may be dated to the nineteenth century. A two-armed depiction of Karthikeya seems to be preferred in Kerala.

The quality of casting and the detailed work make this bronze remarkable. This bronze emphasises the warrior aspect of Karthikeya.

For another example of a peacock riding Karthikeya, please see Subramanya.