Of Lions and Mice, Of Men and Animals Really

Of Lions and Mice,

Of Men and Animals really!

There is a land where most men are called ‘Lions’! Women are called ‘Lionesses’.  All in the hope that they live up to the reputation of that noble beast - the King of the forest. You have surely heard of the last name ‘Singh’  which means ‘Lion’. There is ‘Kaur’, which means ‘Lioness’. This land is part of India, the northern part. Most famous among this land is the region of Punjab! The world knows the Sikhs, who all have ‘Singh’ as the compulsory part of their name. The women are all named with ‘Kaur’ as the compulsory part. This tradition is widespread across all of North India – from its west in Punjab and Rajasthan, through Haryana, Himachal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, all the way to Bengal! The name is written as ‘Singh’ or ‘Sinha’. It means the same. Singapore got its name from the Lion too! In Sanskrit it simply means ‘Lion-Town’!

From a look at Indian history, it is interesting to note that one courageous man in Punjab, offered to take under his wing, one male child (usually the oldest) from every family and convert him into a ‘Lion’ – a courageous and capable warrior who was universally respected and looked up to as a ‘Sardar’ (leader) in times of trouble or when invaded by outsiders. This lion was always ready to put himself and his life on the line for the general welfare of anyone in society. He was ever ready to sacrifice his life if the need arose. These lions raised the pride and self-confidence of a docile population that was used to being walked over, trampled upon and generally ruled by anyone who passed by with a few soldiers and weapons.  The reputation of these ‘lions’ grew over the centuries and it was rightly so! It was an honour to be called a ‘Singh’. The word of their courage, physical and moral grew to such an extent that people started to have ‘Singh’ as their family name all over north India, In Rajasthan, down to Gujarat in the West, Nepal, Pakistan, and up to Bengal and beyond in the East. 

The original Sikh community was and is still represented in the army in unusually high percentages and numbers. 

Of course, as time went on, the last name ‘Singh’ carried on regardless of the actual nature of many who carried it. All ‘Singhs’ did not turn out to be noble warriors. Many were farmers, traders and even menial workers. But the original ‘Singhs’ from Punjab retained their original reputation and do to this day – they carried on their distinct appearance – groomed, uncut hair tied up in a turban.  They stood out clearly in any crowd. Of course, there were other courageous people. These lions inspired large parts of the Indian sub-continent.

However, along with these lions there also lived a large number of rats! Men who should rightly be called ‘Mice’ or ‘Snakes’! Only, there is no such last name!  They are not distinct in appearance. It is all in their hearts. They grew in larger numbers and have dominated the politics and rule of India for a long time. Some are even named ‘Singh’, but appearances can be deceptive! Many that valiantly shout bravado and roar like a lion back home in India, in their own domain, become like timid mice (that will not even squeak) once they enter a foreign country. They will not raise their voice, leave alone their hand. They will quietly, put up with all kinds of insults, injustices and work quietly to make a life for their family. This is the predominant mentality of Indians!

It is strange that we use the names of animals to honour and insult other human beings. I am sure we all can identify among ourselves people who are –  Lions, Tigers, Bears, Donkeys, Jackasses, Dogs, Bitches, Foxes, Cows, Pigs, Rats, Skunks and Snakes. We use the name of a poor animal which lives a pretty honourable life. I suppose in the animal kingdom, the word ‘Human’ would surely not be a compliment – the animals may not have a word for the ‘devil’ but I suppose they could justly use the label ‘Human’!


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2014

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