Lion Symbol in Hindu-Buddhist Sociological Art and Architecture of Bangladesh: An Analysis Islam Zohirul Sk.1, Researcher, Hossain Kohinoor Md.2, Assistant Professor, Naher Shamsun Mst.3, Assistant Professor, Chairman 1Centre for Jessore Art, Bangladesh, zohirulbgsjpo@gmail.com 2Dept. of Islamic History & Culture, Dargahpur Fazil Degree Madrasha, Post: Gournagar, Upazila: Bagherpara, District: Jashore, Bangladesh, ap.m.k.hossain@gmail.com 3Dept. of SociologyFirst Capital University of Bangladesh, Chuadanga, Bangladesh email sociology.fcub@gmail.com Abstract There is no lion animal in Bangladesh still live but has a lot of sculptors through terracotta art in architecture, which are specially used as decorative as religious aspects through the ages. The lion is the king of the animal world. They live in the plain and grassy hills particularly. Due to these characteristics, the lion has been considered through all ages in the world as a symbol of royalty and protection as well as of wisdom and pride, especially in Hindu- Buddhist religion. In Buddhism, lions are symbolic of the Bodhisattvas. In Buddhist architecture, lion symbols are used as protectors of Dharma and therefore support the throne of the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas. The lion symbol is also used in Hindu temple architecture as Jora Shiva Temple, Akhrapara Mondir of Jashore. In Bangladesh, there are various types of lion symbol used in terracotta plaques of Ananda Vihara, Rupbhan Mura, and Shalban Vihara at Mainamati in Comilla district, Vashu Vihara, Mankalir Kundo at Mahasthangarh in Bogra district and Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in Naogaon district. This research has been trying to find out the cultural significance of the lion symbol in Hindu-Buddhist art and architecture of Bangladesh. This symbol is remarked as the development for the sociological archaeology and architecture which are like an empirical style that denotes to aristocracy for the life style. It highlights to rebuild the societal splendid. They think that lion is their power god and goddess. In this regard they design their palace with the symbol of lion. It also falls into deepening social impact. Top Keywords Lion Symbol, Hindu-Buddhist Art, Bangladesh. Top |