Q. Consider the following statements: - The Ashvamedha sacrifice was a method used by ancient Indian kings to assert their imperial sovereignty.
- An entire chapter in the Mahabharata is devoted to the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer:
Both I and II
Notes: The Ashvamedha or horse sacrifice was a sacred ritual that symbolized the king's superiority. If a free-roaming horse was allowed to pass through another kingdom, it signified the other king's submission to the stronger king. Other kings were invited to witness the sacrifice. The Ashvamedhika Parva is a well-known chapter in the Mahabharata that describes this ritual. This ritual was an integral part of ancient India's socio-political culture and played a substantial role in signifying the relationships between the royal states.