Why Was the Tiger Chosen as India's National Animal?

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The tiger was chosen over the lion for a combination of symbolic, ecological, and conservation-related reasons:

Symbolic Power: The tiger is a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and majesty. It is deeply embedded in Indian mythology and folklore, often associated with the Hindu goddess Durga, who rides a tiger.
Wider Geographic Presence: Unlike the Asiatic lion, which was (and still is) confined to the Gir Forest in Gujarat, the Bengal tiger was found across more than 16 states at the time. This made it a more truly "national" animal, representing the rich wildlife of the entire subcontinent.
Conservation Imperative: By the early 1970s, the tiger population had plummeted to an estimated low of around 1,800. Designating the tiger as the national animal brought national and international attention to its plight, providing the political and popular support needed to launch Project Tiger.

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