Lion was one of the motifs used in Ashokan pillars. Lion is a solar symbol and it also represents the Buddha, as he is referred to as Sakyasimha which also means a lion among the Sakyas.
The sculptures pertaining to the period of c. 300 – 600 CE shows the introduction of new styles in the temple architecture. The inspiration for the themes for the sculpture was drawn from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions.
EXAMIANS