The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c9.26

c9.26

Though the episode is obviously remodelled so as to fit the classical non-dualistic conception of sacrifice,³⁵ the original pattern seems perfectly clear. The pivotal point is a sacrificial contest for the goods of life (the Soma drink, which the two parties dispute in a debate on the primordial act of violence).³⁶ The Śyāparṇas, "of bad work (and) evil speech," using the account of Indra's misdeeds as a ploy for blaming the king, challenge his right to the Soma drink. They closely resemble the vituperating reviler at the mahāvrata, except for the learning they exhibit in the debate.