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Lions and tigers are often considered at the top of the animal kingdom. Why did the artist choose to use these as symbols, especially considering what you know about Britain and India at the time?

User Jabirali
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Final answer:

The use of lions and tigers as symbols reflects their status as top predators and their historical representation of power, royalty, and divinity in various cultures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The artist's choice to use lions and tigers as symbols in their work is historically and culturally significant. Both animals are top predators and have long been seen as symbols of royal power and strength, particularly in British and Indian contexts. For instance, the lion was a potent symbol of royalty in ancient Egypt and Assyria, representing the sun, horizons, and royal power. The tiger in Korean culture was revered and feared, believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protectors in folk art. In India, the tiger and the lion have cultural significance as the Asian Lion is exclusively found in India's Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, symbolizing India's unique natural heritage.

Additionally, both animals have been used in royal heraldry and art to represent the majesty and might of rulers. The use of these animals in artistic contexts reflects their status at the top of the animal kingdom and their representation of power, divinity, and protection in historical symbolism.

User Kangcor
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