Question

'Rajas' who let the 'ashvamedha' horse pass through their lands were invited to the sacrifice.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A True

The ashvamedha or horse sacrifice ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and they stopped it, they had to fight. If they allowed the horse to pass, it meant that they accepted that the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was stronger than them. These rajas were then invited to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts. The raja who organised the sacrifice was recognised as being very powerful, and all those who came brought gifts for him.