Which of the following statements with regard to royal rituals in the Later Vedic Period is/are correct? 1. Ashvamedha Yajna involved releasing a consecrated horse to roam freely, asserting uncontested territorial sovereignty. 2. In the Rajasuya Yajna, the king was anointed by a priest, a Kshatriya, and a Vaishya to legitimize his rule across social orders. 3. Vajapeya Yajna featured a ritualistic chariot race in which the king was destined to win to restore his vitality and prestige. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) symbolized imperial expansion; any chief who stopped the horse had to fight the king’s army.
Statement 2 is correct: The Rajasuya (consecration ritual) involved multi-caste anointing (Abhisheka) to signify broad socio-religious sanction for the king’s authority.
Statement 3 is correct: The Vajapeya (drink of strength) included a staged chariot race where the king’s chariot won, affirming his supreme physical prowess and authority.