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.
Sabha or Mahasabha during the Chola empie referred to the exclusive assembly of Brahmans/gatherings of the adult male members in the agraharas, that is, the rent free brahmadeya villages. These assemblies enjoyed a large measure of autonomy.
EXAMIANS