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03-06-2023

01:35:PM

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Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. [UPSC-2022]

Approach:

  1. Introduction: Write the importance of natural symbols in Indian culture
  2. Main body: briefly explain the significance of the lion and bull figures separately under the headings- mythology, art and architecture 
  3. Conclusion: Conclude by mentioning the significance of symbols in contemporary period.


Introduction:

The Indian culture has been harmonic with nature since pristine times, incorporating symbols derived from nature to depict various beliefs and myths. The Lion and Bull are two of such figures from nature which have come to be representative of particular ideas and have been enshrined not only in cultural, but also nationalistic values in the form of India’s national emblem.


Main body:

  • Mythology- 

Lion:

  • Narasimha or the man-lion is described as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Hindu Puranic texts. 
  • Durga, the female Hindu goddess is depicted riding a Lion. 
  • Symbolise Boddhisattvas in Buddhism.

Bull:

  • Known as Nandi, the most ardent worshipper and also the ‘vahan’ of Lord Shiva. 
  • Representative of the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull in very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation. 
  • In Buddhism, bull represents birth. 
  • Represents first Jain tirthankara, Adinath or Rishabh Dev.
  • Art - 

Lion:

  • Depicted in paintings all over India 
  • The earliest known depiction is found in Bhimbetka cave paintings. 

Bull:

  • Found in Bhimbetka paintings. 
  • Steatite seals and sealings and terracotta bulls in Indus Valley.
  • Architecture-

Lions:

  • Found in many sculptures, the most important being the Lion Capital at Sarnath, erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 250 BC. It depicts 4 lions guarding the Dharma Chakra. 
  • Rock engravings of lion in Sanchi stupa.

Bull:

  • Bull capital of Ashoka in Rampurva, Bihar depicts zebu bull. 
  • Gavaksha or "bull's or cow's eye" motifs decorate chaitya arch in many Hindu temples. Example-Lomas Rishi Cave of 3rd century BC.
  • Shiva temples always have a Nandi sculpture. 

 

Conclusion:

The lion and bull, with their intrinsic symbolism, have come to represent many beliefs and witnessed the protracted change in traditions and practices in India. Their use in art, architecture and mythology till date points to the traditional outlook of the Indian way of life.

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