The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c7.143

c7.143

Royal sacrifices. It speaks of four royal sacrifices—the Rājasūya, Vājapeya, Aśvamedha and Aindra Mahābhiṣeka. The Aśvamedha was to be performed by kings who had been successful in Digvijaya or conquest of all quarters. A horse should be let loose with the words, "Go thou along the way of the Ādityas." Guarded by armed warriors, it should be allowed to roam about for a year, during which period oblations were to be offered by the sacrificer. When the horse returned unmolested at the end of the year, a grand assembly should be held of all the kings and chiefs of the country and, in their presence, the animal should be sacrificed.¹ Here, again, the presence of chiefs and kings at the assembly and sacrifice points to the relationship of suzerainty and vassalage. According to the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, this rite had been performed by thirteen kings.² The bid for suzerainty might sometimes be rudely checked. The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa speaks of the Satvatas who prepared a horse for the Aśvamedha but who were defeated by Bharata and lost the horse to him.³