Explanation: The motifs associated with the Ashokan pillars have a rich and varied symbolism in resonance with many prevailing Indian religious traditions.

For instance, the most found motifs were of lotus (symbolised, purity and fecundity in Indian tradition), lion (is a solar symbol and represents the Buddha too, as he is referred to as Sakya simha, i.e., lion among the Sakyas), bull (symbol of fertility), elephant (relevant in Buddhism as according to Buddhist tradition, Buddha entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant), spoked wheel (represents dharmachakra, i.e., the wheel of dharma and also associated with sovereignty), and horse (symbolizes departure of Siddhartha from his home).

Source: Poonam Dahiya