Old fights, new meanings: Lions and elephants in combat

The motif of lions triumphing over elephants has been a persistent and multifaceted symbol in South Asian architecture, spanning over a millennium. This study reveals that while the visual representation remained stable, its meanings shifted significantly across different periods and contexts, serving as a marker of royal power, military prowess, and even spiritual authority. The research traces this motif's evolution from Mauryan columns to Deccani forts, highlighting its adaptability and enduring significance in both Hindu and Jain traditions. By analyzing literary sources such as the Mahābhārata and epigraphic evidence, the study demonstrates how the lion-elephant combat symbolized conquest and sovereignty, often with talismanic connotations. The approach combines art historical analysis with textual interpretation to uncover the layered meanings embedded in this iconic imagery.

Sohoni, P. (2017). Old fights, new meanings: Lions and elephants in combat. Res: Anthropology and Aesthetics, 67-68, 225–234. https://doi.org/10.1086/691602