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.
Seven major pillar edicts have been found at Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Nigali Sagar, Sarnath, Topra, and Meerut. Ashokan pillars probably signify the axis of the world (axis mundi) that separated heaven and earth.
The lowest level of administration during the Satavahana period was a grama or village. It was under the charge of a gaulmika or village headman. The village headman was also the head of a military regiment consisting of nine chariots, nine elephants, 25 horses and 45 foot soldiers.
The Ikshavakus rose in the Krishna-Guntur region on the ruins of Satvahanas. The Ikshavakus were a local tribe. They started the practice of land grants in the Krishna-Guntur region. They also built many monuments.
EXAMIANS