Meaning of Singh - Lion or Tiger? [thread]

Etymologically the word Singh ਸਿੰਘ comes from the Sanskrit Sinha सिंह, meaning Lion, and its usage was widespread amongst Rajput warriors, who combined this title to their name, drawing inspiration from the Asiatic Lion. However...
In the Mahan Kosh, the preeminent Sikh dictionary, Singh is specifically defined as Tiger, synonymous with the Farsi Sher ਸ਼ੇਰ [tiger], differentiated from the Sanskrit term, Shardool, for Lion. The author notes how at times these terms are used loosely without specificity.
Guru Gobind Singh appears to make a distinction when describing the battle between Raja Gopal of Guler and Kirpal Chand, describing the fierce fighting as:

ਕਿਧੋ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੋ ਸਾਰਦੂਲੰ ਅਰੁੱਝੇ ॥
[It appeared] as if a Tiger [Singh] was fighting a Lion [Sardool]. [DG, 67].
The Bansavalinama (1769) describes why initiated Sikhs received the title of Singh, as it represented that they were the vehicle for the Goddess, who was also synonymous with the Sword. Depictions of Chandi vary across region but mainly depict a Tiger and rarely a Lion as a mount
The Bansavalinama (1769) describes why initiated Sikhs received the title of Singh, as it represented that they were the vehicle for the Goddess, who was also synonymous with the Sword. Depictions of Chandi vary across region but mainly depict a Tiger and rarely a Lion as a mount
The Bansavalinama (1769) describes why initiated Sikhs received the title of Singh, as it represented that they were the vehicle for the Goddess, who was also synonymous with the Sword. Depictions of Chandi vary across region but mainly depict a Tiger and rarely a Lion as a mount
The Bansavalinama (1769) describes why initiated Sikhs received the title of Singh, as it represented that they were the vehicle for the Goddess, who was also synonymous with the Sword. Depictions of Chandi vary across region but mainly depict a Tiger and rarely a Lion as a mount
The Bansavalinama (1769) describes why initiated Sikhs received the title of Singh, as it represented that they were the vehicle for the Goddess, who was also synonymous with the Sword. Depictions of Chandi vary across region but mainly depict a Tiger and rarely a Lion as a mount
Either way, while the terms were likely not employed with the specificity as demanded in todays age - the point, the imagery, the meaning, behind the term still survives till this day.

Fierce, Powerful, Tenacious, Brave - The Guru imbued all these virtues into his community.
Either way, while the terms were likely not employed with the specificity as demanded in todays age - the point, the imagery, the meaning, behind the term still survives till this day.Fierce, Powerful, Tenacious, Brave - The Guru imbued all these virtues into his community.
Either way, while the terms were likely not employed with the specificity as demanded in todays age - the point, the imagery, the meaning, behind the term still survives till this day.Fierce, Powerful, Tenacious, Brave - The Guru imbued all these virtues into his community.
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