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 Capital of Magadh empire was situates at Rajgriha or Girivraja. The city was almost impregnable as it was surrounded by five hills, the openings in which were closed by stone walls on all sides.