The original 4th century high-relief scene depicts the investiture of Ardeshir II, with the figure later perceived to be Zoroaster standing to the left of the king.

A photograph of the sculpture is available on commons as file:Taq-e Bostan - High-relief of Ardeshir II investiture.jpg.

In both the original and the 19th century interpretation, the figure bears a barsom in hand. This ritual implement, consisting of a (usually unbound) bundle of rods or sticks, is used even today to solemnize Zoroastrian religious ceremonies. In the reinterpretation, the figure wears the ceremonial headgear of a Zoroastrian high priest.

In the academic literature of 19th- and early 20th century, the figure in the carving was indeed assumed to be an depiction of Zoroaster. That assumption is no longer followed today (it is generally assumed to be the yazata of "binding oath", guaranteeing/blessing the investiture).

Like most other 19th century Indian Zoroastrian images of Zoroaster, the facial features depicted in the reinterpretation are strongly influenced by western depictions of Jesus. Together with other Indian Zoroastrian religious art (to some extent also beliefs and practices), this image began appearing among the Zoroastrians of Iran some time after 1855.