




































American International Journal of Social Science Research; Vol. 2, No. 2; 2018 

ISSN 2576-103X   E-ISSN 2576-1048 

Impact Factor: 4.6 

Published by Centre for Research on Islamic Banking & Finance and Business, USA 

   

 

24 

 

Lion Motif used in Buddhist Architecture of Ancient Bangladesh 

 

 
Sk. Zohirul Islam

1, 2 

 

 

 

1
Research Student, Department of Islamic History & Culture, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh  

2
Researcher, The International Centre for Study of Bengal Art, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

Correspondence: Sk. Zohirul Islam, Department of Islamic History & Culture, University of Dhaka, 

Bangladesh. Email: zohirdu84@gmail.com 

 

Received: May 30, 2018                       Accepted: August 10, 2018                  Online Published: August 13, 2018 

 

 

Abstract 

Lion is the king of the animal world. They live in the plains and grassy hills. The male lion's job is to protect the 

clan from enemies. However, lions do not have any natural enemy. 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. In Buddhism, lions are symbolic of the Bodhisattvas. In Buddhist architecture, lion motifs or figure were 

used as protectors of Dharma and therefore support the throne of the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas. The lion 

motifs (symbol) were also used at the entrance of the monasteries and shrines possibly for the same reason.  In 

ancient Bangladesh, there are various types of Lion motif 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 paper aims to address the 

cultural significance of the lion motif in Buddhist architecture of ancient Bangladesh and relates it to various 

types of representation to understand its origin and evaluation.  

 

Keywords: Lion, Motif, Terracotta, Buddhist Architecture, Ancient Bangladesh. 

 

1. Introduction 

Lion is the king of the animal world. They live in the plains and grassy hills. The male lion's job is to protect the 

clan from enemies. The Lion is the most ferocious beast among wild creatures. From primitive era, the lion is 

considered as the symbol of strength and power and through all ages in the world as a symbol of Royalty and 

protection as well as of wisdom and pride. In Buddhism, Lions are symbolic of the Bodhisattvas.
1 

Lion motifs 

were used as protectors of Dharma and therefore support the throne of the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas.
2
 The lion 

motifs were also used at the entrance of the monasteries and shrines possibly for the same reason. In ancient 

Bangladesh(Present Bangladesh and West Bengal), there are various types of lion motif 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; Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in Naogaon district; 

Chandraketugarh, Vikhramshila Vihara in West Bengal and Shamsundar Tila at Pilak in Tripura. Here we 

address the cultural significance of the lion motif in Buddhist architecture of Ancient Bangladesh (especially 

present Bangladesh portion) from 8
th

 century to 12
th

 century and various types of representation to understand its 

origin and evaluation as well as to analyses a pattern of interrelated meanings generated by the formation of the 

Lion terracotta art. This research identifies 83(Eighty Three) plaques with Lion images. Depending on three 

Buddhist sites of Bangladesh which are Paharpur Monastery, Mainamati Lalmai hills and Mahasthangarh sites 

especially from 8
th

 to 12
th

 century.  Where we can classified into five (5) categories as follows: 

Firstly, Realistic (Lion) figurine: Ananda Vihar;  

Secondly, Mythical (lion mixed with human head like Naravyal, Nrishimha, Kirtimukha): Mahasthangarh, 

Rupban mura, Ranir banglow;  

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Thirdly, Textual (Lion with women, lion with well, lion with rabbit and Lion in talking cave, cross legs, Aged 

Lion through story): Somapura vihar, Shalban Vihar;  

Fourthly, Ferocious (Lion attacked to elephant, man): Shalban Vihar  and   

Fifth is that, Architectural (Two body one head lion): Shalban Vihar, Somapura Vihar, Vashu Vihar.  

Lions, particularly male lions have been an important symbol for thousands of years and appear as a theme in 

cultures across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The most consistent depiction is in keeping with their image of "king 

of the Jungle" or "king of the Beasts".
3
  They are also found at the entrance of the monasteries and shrines in the 

northern area of Nepal, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and art. The iconographic (anionic or sculpture) 

representation of the lion originated in Persia.
4   

A lion faced Dakini, a tantric deity described as a female 

embodiment of enlightened energy appears in Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan Buddhist form is known as 

Simhamukha in Sanskrit and Senge Dongma in Tibetan.
5 

2. Importance of Lion in Buddhist Literature 

According to Buddhist Literature and Text we found many name of Buddha used in Jataka among them Lion of 

ten Jataka has been represented to Buddha as Shimhacrostuc jataka, Shimhacharma jataka, Monaja Jataka.
6
 In 

according to Dighanikaya, The Lion disappears definitely connecting Simhaladvipa i. e. present Sri Lanka with 

the lion of the Sakyas, i. e. the Buddha by the “Moonstone of Anuradhapura”.
7
 “The lion plays a prominent part 

in the enumeration of the Buddhissattva’s primary physical characteristics (Mahapurusa laksana)
8
 as listed in 

the Mahapadanasuttanta of the Dighanikaya. His upper body and his jaw are like a lion’s: “Siha pubhaddha 

kayo, Sihahanu.”[Dighanikaya, XIV (Mahapadanasuttanta)].  

A.J. Gail says, “Probably the oldest figural representation of the Buddha is a token from Tillie Tepe, North 

Afghanistan (50 BC - 50 AD) inscribed in Kharosthi. The obverse side shows a herculean man pushing a wheel, 

called “Dhrmachakkravarataka” (he who sets in motion the wheel law). The reverse side shows a striding lion, 

titled “Siho vigatabhayo” (the lion who chased away fear; see Fussman, 1987, 71f., fig. 2).”
9
 The letter 

inscription possibly quotes the “Lalitavistara”, a flamboyant biography of the Buddha; “Atha tasmin samaye 

bodhisattvah simha iva vigata bhaya bhairavo asamtrastah,
10

 “English Translated by R. L. Mitra as “doubtless 

and fearless as a Lion”. In similar words the idea of Shakyamuni as a fearless lion is expressed in chapter. XV of 

the Lalitavistara: “Simhobaya prahinah”.
11

 On the capital of the Asokan pillar of Saranath in India a set of four 

animals is depicted (Plate 1): a lion, an elephant, a bull, a horse. This quartet is taken up not in India but in the 

Buddhist art of Bengal, Sri Lanka, Nepal etc. Individually, these animals provide various symbolical references 

to the career of the Buddha himself. Moreover, “Shihe” word was in the Charchyyapada at 33 no. pada and 9 

no. line, “where said that shila (fox) war  against shihe (lion)  everyday”.
12 

 In according to Buddha Caritha, 

“I(Buddha) am the last lion and my move like lion gait….” 
13

  

2.1 Lion Figurine Art in India 

We can see this lion iconography used architecture of various parts of south Asia and south East Asian region like 

Asoka pillar of Sarnath, Sanchi Stupa, Harrappa, Amaravati, Mathura, Bharhut, Vikramshila, Chandraketugarh, 

Jagajjibanpur, Angkor, Borobudur of Indonesia,  Anuradhapur of Sri Lanka, Pagan of Myanmar, Nepal, Tille Tepe of 

North Afghanistan, Shama Sundar Tila of  Pilak in South Tripura, Tibet, China, Thailand, Cambodia and so on. The 

historical Buddha lived around the sixth century BCE, but no Buddhist artifacts are known from before the third 

century BCE.
14

 In the scriptures, it is mentioned that the Buddha did occasionally use images like the 'Wheel of 

Life' to illustrate the teachings. The Emperor Asoka (273 - 232 BCE), who converted to Buddhism and made it a 

popular religion in India and beyond.
15

 The first actual Buddha images appeared around the first century BCE, 

so until then the artwork was largely symbolic in nature. To symbolize the Buddha in the very early art, one 

used mainly the Eight Spoke Wheel, the Bodhi Tree,  Buddha's Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging 

Bowl and a Lion are used to represent him.  Gautam Sengupta
16

 first drew attention to somewhat similar foliated 

tail end of the lion on terracotta plaques. Found from the Buddhist monastic establishment of Jagajjivanpur in 

Maldah district of West Bengal. Says “…there is an element of comicality in the rendering of lions, their tails 

swinging upwards and ending in a flower-shaped knot.”
17

  

In The State Archaeological Gallery of  West Bengal represents a naturalistically modeled lion (Plate 20, Sunga 

Period, c.1
st
 century A.D.) in a roaring attitude with upraised tail at Chandraketugarh in West  Bengal.

18
  

Another one is damaged plaque shows a winged lion (Plate 21: c. 1
st
 century AD. in Ashutosh Museum, India) 

sitting on a pillar base. The winged lion is distinct and is a forefront, though its head is lost. It is on its haunches 

while wings emerge from the joint its front legs. The tail rest on its back.
19

   In recently excavation many 

terracotta’s as Narashimha, Corner bonding two body with one head plaque and single natural lion (Plate 25) 

figure have been found Buddhist remains in Shaym Sundar Tila at Pilak in South Tripura similarly, which is 

very neighboring place of Mainamati, Comilla in Bangladesh erstwhile known as Tippera district is very 

adjacent to the locality. Stylistically features of the images shows c. 9
th

 century A.D. of Pala School of art.
20

   

2.2 Lion Motif Uses in Sri Lanka 

The lion is symbolic for the Sinhalese, Sri Lanka's ethnic majority;
21

 the term derived from the Indo-Aryan 

Sinhala, meaning the "lion people" or "people with lion blood", while a sword-wielding lion is the central figure 

on the modern national flag of Sri Lanka. The entrance to Sigiriya, the Lion-Rock of Sri Lanka, was through the 

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Lion Gate, the mouth of a Stone Lion. The paws of the lion can still be seen today. It is one of the World 

Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.
22

 

2.3 Lion Motif in Buddhist Architecture of Ancient Bangladesh  

This research paper depends on the bellow Table of Number of Lion figurine used in Buddhist architecture of 

ancient Bangladesh: 

Sl. No. Name of the Site  Plaques no. 

1. Somapur Vihar, Paharpur 57 

2. Shalban Vihar, Mainamati 13 

3. Ananda Vihar, do 3 

4. Rupban Mura, do 4 

5. Ranir Banglo, do 1 

6. Vashu Vihar, Mahasthangarh 4 

7. Mankalir kundo, do 1 

                                                  Total = 83 

 

2.4 Paharpur alies Somapura Mahavihara, Naogaon 

In Central Shrine of Paharpur, identifies Fifty Seven (57) plaques of lion images. The lion is standing on its back 

legs almost in similar style (Plates 2, 3). In two plaques the front legs are crosswise and in one (1) plaque the 

lion is lying. Four (4) images of the lioness are similar to the standing images of the lion.
23

 The plaque depicts 

the four part of an aged lion (Plates 4, 6), which is conceived in an arched niche. The two four legs of the lion 

are placed one above the other and the eyes and the face of the animal have been treated in abstraction and with 

schematic arrangements. Another terracotta plaque of lion (Plate 7), the niche has the look of a stylized chaitya 

window. This panel reminds a story in panchatantra. The title of the story is lion a talking cave.
24

 Besides an 

angry lion (Plate 5) plaque shows in the attitude of seeing something inside a well (water tank/kuya). The 

projection of the Kuya (well) over the ground is comparatively small than the figure of lion. The lion has long 

mane and beards and has a long tail. this figure  of lion is concerned it is not naturalistically rendered but the 

sheer anger of a lion and his forceful approach inside the well and its face and eyes have successfully captured  

the dramatic elements that is narrated in the story of panchatantra.
25

 Moreover, There have been found also 

women lioness is watching her own face in well. A story type terracotta plaque shows a lion is sleeping and a 

monkey is trying to wake it up by pricking into its ear. Although K. N. Dikshit said that so called monkey image 

is actually an image of a fox. It seems to us that of the head, tail, and expression of the animal indicate to a 

monkey.
26

   

2.5 Mainamati, Comilla 

There have been found many lion animal figurine based corner bonding terracotta plaque (Plates 8, 10, 14, 17, 

& 26) in Shalban Vihara at Comilla. There have one single head but two body’s lion plaque shown separately 

on both sides of the corner to suit the especial architectural requirement. The mane is shown with a series of 

falling curls, recalling the coiffure of Gupta sculpture.
27

 The short curling tail and squat from of the body recall 

the form of lions in both bronze and stone from this and  subsequent centuries. From its middle, two sides of the 

plaque seem to be mirror images. Similarly we have found this type terracotta plaque in Paharpur central shrine, 

Vashu Vihar, Vikramshila Mahavihar at Antichak (Plate 11) also. Recently excavation in Shalban Vihar have 

been found varieties type lion animal figurine decorated such lion attacked to elephant (Plate 12), Lion with a 

man (Plate 13), corner bonding terracotta (Plate 10), women worship to lion (Plate 15) and lion attacked a man 

(Plate 16).  It is very interesting that there have been found many Krittimukha  terracotta plaques, Krittimukha is 

a decorative motif showing the grinning face of a lion  for example Rupban Mura (plate 27),
28

  Ananda Vihar 

(plate 18) and so on. On the other hand, During the Pala period, the plaque shows a stylized Nara Vyala( Plate 

9)  in Mainamati.
29

 It has the body of a stylized lion with a long tail and female head. There is description of 

sixteen (16) types of Vyalas in literature; Nara Vyala is being one of them.
30

 

2.6 Mahasthangarh, Bogra  

The plaque of Vashu Viahr (Plate 19) displayed in Mahasthangarh Museum has an image of a lion and a rabbit. 

The background of the plaque is ornamented by half circled design to indicate a cave. Most likely, this plaque is 

also a representation of the rabbit and lion story of Panchatantra. The appearance of the image gives scenes that 

the rabbit is feeling guilty for being late to come the lion as his meal and the lion is listening to his excuse. 

Recently excavation there has been found a corner bonding terracotta plaque which is a two lion body and one 

head type similarly Shalban Vihar. In Mahasthangarh has been found another plaque is a detached head of 

Nrisimha image, which is may be Gupta period art. There is a human touch in the treatment of its eyes and a 

Krittimukha figure has been found which is mutilated face of krittimukha has bulging eyes and open mouth.
31

  

3. Discussion 

Firstly, the actual reality of Lion symbol has been experienced directly in meditation by those highly realized 

beings like “Sakyamuni Buddha”.
32

 The real nature of the symbol through their pure vision and understanding 

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even ordinary beings can recognize to some extent the real nature of symbol.   In Buddhist iconography, we 

found the lions in their role of dharma protectors supporting the throne of the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas. The 

lions as guardians of the temple are represented in pairs at the entrance of shrines. As example, the forbidden 

kingdom of China recently destroyed in earthquake at katmondu Nyatapola temple in Bhaktapur and temple of 

Patan’s Durbar Square of Nepal influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and art.  

“The Myth is not my own, I had 

it, from my mother.”    --Euripides
33

 

Another important thing is that, the terracotta art of Bengal, including that of Paharpur definitely betrays some 

different traits, local color; at the same time it was part an all Eastern India art traditions.  Hence some art motifs 

seen elsewhere are also present in Bangladesh art comprising that of Paharpur, Mainamati and Mahasthangarh 

lion motif is one of these common motif. All these plaques are religious in character and are valuable materials 

for the study symbolic religious life of Buddhist traditional in ancient Bangladesh. Lion appear in various roles, 

are engaged in different activities, forming a fine gallery of anionic.
34

 The clay artist of Ancient Bangladesh 

(Bengal) have successfully utilized various art figurative creating lyrical and textual scenes, lion motif is a one of 

such alluring figure. Lion as emblem of royalty, motif of Muryan art, reference to sakya clan of sakyamuni 

Buddha, Roar of lion as metaphor for Buddhist teachings.
35

  The last habitation of Lion animal in Bengal was 

Palamu  upto 1814 A.D. in according to The  Story of Asia’s Lion(2005). Though these plaques the artist made us 

aware that lions lived in this area at that time. Though in Indian mythology the lion is not much discussed except 

Vishnu’s man lion form named Narashimha Avatara. Lion is part of some Jataka stories. The lion have much 

religious influence on the society, and famous for its beauty, strength and violent nature. 

In Hinduism, Hindu believes that lions protect humans from evil spirits, normally used in sculpture, decoration in 

traditional Bengali  architecture. Lion used as bahan or vehicle of Durga as Uma/Mahishmordini deities.
36  

The pair 

lions as guardians of the temple are represented in pair at the entrance of compounds. We may look at the artistic 

tradition of lion sculptures those are widely found from different parts of west Bengal and Bangladesh. Many 

Buddhist symbols need to be considered within the culture of the people who follow it. Therefore, many of the early 

symbols relate to ancient India and can be found in Hinduism as well in Temple architecture. 

The Lion is one of the Buddhism's most potent symbols. It is therefore an appropriate symbol for the Buddha 

who tradition has it was a royal prince. The Buddha's teachings are sometimes referred to as the 'Lion's 

Roar'/shimhogosh, again indicative of their strength and power like Shimghanada Avalokitesvara
37

 sculpture of 

Sultanganj of Bihar (Plate 23) Manjubara (Plate 22) of Mainamati etc. There have many sculpture of Buddha 

where lion depicted under pedestal of Buddha sculpture like Akhosvva  Buddha.
38

   

It is mentionable that Mainamati Museum displays a plaque found at Shalban vihara which is the artist has 

presented a decorated lion (Plate 24) which is in contrast with reality. In the plaque the mane of the lion is like 

petals around it’s face and it’s eyes and eye-brows are slightly engraved.  Though we would like to say that, 

there would have not to sure find out any lion motif decorated in any terracotta or any figure beside bull in the 

Indus valley civilization, where we have found a certainly a lion stuck with inscription of Buddha in 

Afghanistan during 1
st
 century B.C. Obviously, early ancient lion symbol used in Mycenae at Persia. Now is the 

question is that how is it symbolized in ancient Buddhist architecture through literal and textual context with 

general and rituals under Buddhism. 

On the above mentioned discussion after, we can classify of those lion figurine typologically in five types as 

follow in the table:  

Sl. 

No. 

Type/Style  Characteristics   Sites/places 

1. Realistic Natural Lion Ananda Vihar, comilla 

2. Mythical/ Tantric Naravyal, Nrishimha,  Kirtimukha Mahasthangarh, Rupban mura, 

Ranir banglow,   

3. Textual/Literal 

(Jataka) 

Lion with women, lion with well, lion with 

rabbit, Lion in talking cave, cross legs, 

Aged  Lion/ older 

Somapura vihar, Naogaon 

4. Ferocious  Lion attacked  to elephant, Lion attacked  

to man 

Shalban vihar, Comilla 

5. Architectural 

component 

Two body one head lion Shalban vihar, Somapura Vihar, 

Vashu Vihar 

 

In conclusion, we could say possibly that Lion Motif or figure used in Buddhist Art and Architecture under 

religious aspect like formation of Buddha or Vehicle of Manjubara or mythical as well as gradually developed 

in influence by Hindu deity Durga’s Vahan (Chariot) Lion. All these plaques are religious in character are 

valuable materials for the study symbolic religious life of Buddhist traditional in Ancient Bangladesh.  

 

 

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References 

1. Ven. Jampa Chisky, “Symbolism of Animals in Buddhism,” Buddhist Himalaya, vol. 1, no.1, Gokan co. 

Ltd., 1988, p.37. 

2. Ibid.; see also, Sen, Asis, Animal Motifs in Ancient Indian Art, Firma K.L., Calcutta, 1972; Zimmer, H., 

Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization, New York, 1962; Zimmer, H., The Art of Indian Asia, 

vol. 1, New York, USA, 1955,  p. 181. 

3. Divyabhanusinh, The Story of Asia’s Lion, Marg publications, Mumbai, 2005, p.118. 

4. Ven. Jampa Chisky, “Symbolism of Animals in Buddhism,” Buddhist Himalaya, vol. 1, no.1, Gokan co. 

Ltd., 1988, p.37. 

5. Lion motif used as symbolism of Shakaysimha or Shakayamuni i. e. Buddha and its developed through 

Theraveda Buddhism with Anionic visualization. See also, Susan L. Huntington, The Art of Ancient India, 

weather hill, New York, 1985, pp. 31, 32. 

6. Eshan Chandra Gosh, Jataka, (in Bengali ), Karuna Publication, Calcutta, Vol. 2, India, 1391 B.S. (2
nd

 

edition), pp.68, 69; “Manoja jataka”, H. T. Francis and E. J. Thmas (Trans.), Jataka Tales, Jaico Publishing 

house, Bombay, 1957, p. 163. 

7. A. J. Gail, “The four Buddhist animals Lion, Elephant, Horse and Bull and Their symbolic meaning: a 

reconsideration of evidence,”Panduras 07, Charles University Publication, Parague, 2007, p. 62. 

8. Ibid. 

9. Ibid. (see also, Divyabhanusinh, The Story of Asia’s Lions, Marg publications, Mumbai, 2005). 

10. Ibid. 

11. Ibid. 

12. Haraprashad Shastri (ed.), Hajar Bachorer Bangla Bhashar Buddha gan o doha (in Bengali), Mahabodhi 

book agency, Calcutta, 2000, p. 239, Charchayapada, pada no.33, Rag patomonjuri, line 9, (cha, 33: 9), see 

also, Ahamed Sharif, Moddayjuger Samaj o Sanskriti (in Bengali), Dhaka. 

13. Buddha Carita, Book 1: p. 34. See also, Bodhi, Bhikkhu (edt.), The Buddha’s words, an Anthology of 

discourses from the Pali canon, wisdom publications, Boston, USA, 2005, p. 420. 421. 

14. Gupta, S. P., The Roots of Indian Art (A detailed study of the formative period of Indian Art and 

Architecture: Third and Second centuries B.C. - Mauryan and Late Mauryan), B. R. publication, Delhi, 

1980, pp. 121-122. (see also Asokan Pilar  at Sarnath plate 3a).  

15. Ibid.  

16. Sutapa Sinha, “A New Light on the Significance of Lion Motif appeared on Coins and on single Inscription 

of the sultans of Bengal”, Journal of Bengal Art, vol. 16, 2011, p.139-155, Dhaka,(plate 10.16A, B & C). 

17. Ibid. 

18. Saifuddin chowdhury, Early Terracotta figurines of Bangladesh, Bangle Academy, Dhaka, 2000, p. 186. 

19. Enamul Haque, Candraketugarh: A Treasure House of Bengal Terracotta, ICSBA, Dhaka, 2001, p.291, 

pl.C783; S. S. Biswas, Terracotta Art of Bengal, Agam kala prokash, Delhi, 1981, page 181, 

20. S. Jamal Hasan, “Buddhist Remains in Tripura”, Journal of Bengal Art, vol. 7, 2002, p. 229. 

21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka  

22. ibid. 

23. Muhammad Shohrab Uddin and Shaermin Rezowana, “Animal (mammal) Representation in Somapura 

Mahabihara in situ Terracotta plaques”, Journal of Bengal Art, vol. 17, 2012, p.194, (pl. 15.10, 15.11, 15.13 

and 15.16). Explaining the terms “Motif”  the well known folklorist  Stith Thompson writes, “while  the  

term motif is used  very closely to include  any of the  elements going into a traditional tale, it must be 

remembered that in order to become a real part of the tradition on element must have something about it 

that  will make  people  remember  and repeat it” a lion itself is not a motif but a flying lion becomes  one, 

because  it is a least  thought to be unusual.  

24. Saifuddin Chowdhury, Early Terracotta Figurines of Bangladesh, Bangle Academy, Dhaka, 2000, p. 186. 

25. Ibid. 

26. K. N. Dikshit, The Memoirs of excavation in Paharpur: Bengal, Achaeological Survey of India, 1938, p. . 

27. Rashid, M. Harunur, The Early History of South East Bengal: in the light of Archaeological materials, 

Itihash Academy, Dhaka, 2008, pp.131, 132, 133.  

28. Sudipa Bandyapadhyay, Architectural Motifs in Early Medieval Art of Eastern India (Pala- Sena Period), 

Kolkata, India , 2002, fig.73, pravha - tarana, fig. 74, sketh: 2. 

29. Saifuddin Chowdhury, 2000, Early Terracotta Figurines of Bangladesh, Bangle Academy, Dhaka, p. 186; 

(see also, Nagarju, S, Buddhist Architecture of western India, plates 129&187; Nivvedita, Sister, and 

Ananda k. Coomaraswamy,1994, Hindus and Buddhist: Myths and Legends, Senate, London; Prakash, 

pratibha, Terracotta Animals Figurines in the Ganga Yamuna Valley, Agam kala publications, Delhi, India, 

1985, p. 106, 127; Sarma, I. K., The Development of Early Saiva Art and Architecture, Sundeep prakashon, 

Delhi, 1982.) 

30. Saifuddin Chowdhury, 2000, Early Terracotta Figurines of Bangladesh, Bangle Academy, Dhaka, p. 186. 

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31. Ibid. 

32. Susan L. Huntington, The Art of Ancient India, Weather hill, New York, 1985, pp. 47, 123. 

33. Rama P. Coomaraswamy, The Door in the Sky: Coomaraswamy on Myth and Meaning, Princeton 

University, USA, 1997, p.28.  

34. Susan L. Huntington, The Art of Ancient India, weather hill, New York, 1985, p. 395. 

35. Ibid. p. 151. 

36. Paresh Chandra Mandal, “Shiva” in Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh, (Chief  Editor 

Sirajul Islam), Asiatic Society of  Bangladesh, Dhaka, Vol. 9, 2003, p. 273).  

37. Jack  Tresidder, (ed.), The Complete Dictionary of Symbols in Myth, Art and Literature, Duncan Baird 

Publishers, London, 2004, p. 291,  

38. Bhikkhu Sunithananda, Bangladesher Buddha Bhashkarjo (in Bengali), (Buddhist Sculpture of 

Bangladesh), Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1999, pp. 121, 122.  

Acknowledgement 

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Kelaniya University of Colombo at SriLanka for allowing me to 

present this paper in “6
th

 SSEASR  Conference”2015 at Colombo in 4-7 June 2015. I am special thankful to Dr. 

Anura Manatunga, Head of the Center for Asian Studies, UoK, as well as  Dr. Shahnaj Husne Jahan and Dr. 

Nalini Rao for them valued Comments and suggestions. I would like to give thank Dr. Perween Hasan and Dr. 

Enamul Haque, Chairman, ICSBA, for invaluable help. I want to give my special thank to SSEASR organizer 

for giving this opportunity to me.   

 

  
Map : Last havitation map of  lion in Bengal,1814, 

courtesy: Divyabhanusinh 

Plate 1: Capital of the Lion, Asokan Pillar, Sarnath, India, 

(from Internet) 

  
Plate 2:  Standing on two legs, Lion  terracotta 

plaque, Paharpur, courtesy: Abdul Khalek(DoA) 

Plate 3: Standing on two legs, Lion  terracotta plaque, 

Paharpur, Naogaon, Bangladesh 



 
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Plate 4: Lion face with cross legs (symbol of 

aged), Paharpur. 

Plate 5: Lion with well/kuya, Paharpur, courtesy: 

Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh. 

  
Plate 6: Lion face  with cross legs, Paharpur,(after 

K.N.Dikshit). 

Plate 7: Lion in talking Cave, Paharpur, (after 

K.N.Dikshit). 

 
 

Plate 8: Corner bond terracotta, Shalban Vihar, 

Mainamati, Comilla 

Plate 9: Naravyala, Mainamati, (after Saifuddin) 

 



 
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Plate 10: Corner bonding terracotta , Shalban 

Vihar, 

  Plate 11: Lion, two body and one head, Vikramshila, 

Antichak, Bhagalpur, India, (from Internet) 

 
 

Plate 12: Lion attacked to elephant, Shalban Vihar, 

Comilla 

Plate 13: Lion & Man, Shalban,  Mainamati, Comilla. 

  
Plate 14: Corner bonding plaque, tail like petal, 

Shalban Vihar, Mainamati 

Plate 15: Women worship to lion, Shalban Vihar, 

Mainamoti, Comilla, Bangladesh.  



 
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Plate 16: Lion attacked  a man, Shalban Vihar  Plate 17: Corner bonding terracotta, one head two body 

type lion, Shalban Vihar. Courtesy: DoA, GoB. 

  
Plate 18: kirtimukha, Ananda Vihar, Comilla  Plate 19: Rabbit & Lion, Vashu Vihar  Mahasthangarh, 

Bogra 

  

Plate 20: Chandraketugarh, Natatrul Lion, West 

Bengal, India.  

Plate 21: Chandraketugarh, winged , West Bengal, India , 

1
st
  century B. C. 



 
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Plate 22: Manjubar Sculpture sitting on Lion , 

Mainamati  

Plate 23: Simhanada Avalokitesvara, Sultanganj, Bihar, 

Pala period, Birmingham Museum & Art  gallery  

 
 

Plate  24:  Lion (mane decorated), Shalban Vihar, 

Mainamati  

Plate 25: Lion, Shyamsundar Tila, Pilak, South Tripura, 

India 

  
Plate 26: Lion, Fragmentary corner bonding 

Terracotta Plaque, Shalban Vihar, Mainamati, 

Comilla 

Plate 27: kirtimukha, Rupban Mura,Comilla 

 

 

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