The Sixth Pillar Edict of Asohka talks about welfare of people. The Ashokan pillars contain motifs which have a rich and varied symbolism in resonance with many prevailing Indian religious traditions.
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.