Question

Write a short note on the 'ashvamedha' ritual.

Answer 1

The 'Ashvamedha' (horse sacrifice) recognized men as 'rajas.' A horse was left to wander freely. If it wandered into another kingdom and the king of that kingdom stopped it, they had to fight. The 'raja' who succeeded in the challenge was recognized as stronger. He would then perform the sacrifice, and other kings would also come.