Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Around 3000 years ago, during the transition to the Later Vedic period, the nature of kingship changed significantly. Rajas began to establish their authority and territorial sovereignty through elaborate rituals and sacrifices, the most prominent being the Ashvamedha or horse sacrifice.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The ritual involved letting a special horse loose to wander freely for a specific period. The horse was guarded by the raja’s men to ensure its safety and to enforce the king's claim over the territories it traversed.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The movement of the horse served as a test of authority. If a rival king stopped the horse, it signified a challenge, leading to a battle. Conversely, if a king allowed the horse to pass, it meant that he accepted the superior authority of the raja performing the sacrifice.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The ordinary people, known as the vish or vaishya, were expected to bring gifts and tributes to the sacrifice. It was the shudras who were generally excluded from these rituals. The vish played an active economic role in supporting the sacrifice through these contributions.
Key Takeaway:
The Ashvamedha sacrifice was a political instrument used by Later Vedic kings to assert suzerainty over neighboring territories. Submission was indicated by allowing the sacrificial horse to pass unhindered.