Q. Consider the following statements regarding Yajnas in Hinduism:

1. Yajna refers to any ritual performed in front of a sacred fire, often involving the chanting of mantras.
2. Many yajnas involved the sacrifice of a large number of cattle and other animals, which could have negatively affected economic growth.
3. The Ashwamedha and Rajasuya were some prominent yajnas performed by ancient Indian rulers.
4. Yajnas were always restricted to domestic households and never performed by ruling elites or for political purposes.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1, 2 and 3
Notes: Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct: Yajna involves rituals before a sacred fire with mantras, and animal sacrifices were common, potentially affecting the economy. Rituals like Ashwamedha and Rajasuya were important state yajnas. Statement 4 is incorrect as yajnas were not only domestic but also significant for rulers and political legitimacy in ancient India.