Maya: Pivot Point

https://3dtotal.com/tutorials/t/introduction-to-maya-general-tools-jahirul-amin-maya-ui

Each object has a pivot point. It is the point where the object can be rotated around or scaled. By default, the pivot point will always be in the centre of the object. It is possible to readjust the positioning of the pivot point by using hotkeys Insert or D.

• Movement: Moves the object around with the pivot point 
• Scale: Scales the size of the object, using the pivot point as a reference point to evenly scale the object on all angles
• Rotation: The object will be rotated around the pivot point as a central position.

With the use of hotkeys it is possible to adjust the pivot's position and axes

• Ctrl: Modify the axis orientation
• Shift: Modify the pivot position
• Ctrl + Shift: Modify the axis and pivot position