How Some Men Become Ruler


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

How Some Men Become Ruler

How Some Men Become Rulers? In ancient India, some of the Rajas were probably chosen by the jana, the people. Some changes regarding the election of raja  took place around 3000 years ago .Some men performed Ashvamedha sacrifice and came to be recognised as rajas.

Choosing leaders or rulers by voting is something that has become common during the last fifty years or so. How did men become rulers in the past? Some of the rajas we read in chapter 5 were probably chosen by the Jana, the people .but around 3000 years ago, we find some changes taking place in the ways in which rajas were chosen. Some men now became recognized as rajas by performing very big sacrifices.

The ashvameda or horse sacrifice was one such ritual. A horse was let loose to wander freely and it was guarded by the raja’s men. If the horse wandered into the kingdoms of other rajas and they stopped it, they had to fight .if they allowed the horse to pass; it meant that they accepted that the raja who wanted to perform the sacrifice was stronger than them. These rajas were then invited to the sacrifice, which was performed by specially trained priests, who were rewarded with gifts .the raja who organized the sacrifice was recognized as being very powerful, and all those who came brought gifts for him.

The raja was central figure in these rituals. He often had a special seat, a throne or a tiger skin. His charioteer, who was his companion in the battle field and witnessed his exploits, chanted tales of his glory. His relatives, especially his wives and sons, had to perform a variety of minor rituals. The other

Rajas were simply spectators who had to sit and which the performance of the sacrifice. Priests performed the rituals including the sprinkling of sacred water on the king. The ordinary people, the vish or vaishya, also brought gifts. However, some people, such as those who were regarded as shudras by the priests, were excluded from many rituals

Sample Questions
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Question : 1

Which of the following facts is/ are true about the Ashvamedha ?

  • A. It is a ritual in which horses were sacrificed
  • B. It was a way of conquering new territories
  • C. The rulers who led the horses in their terrtiories used to perform the ritual
  • D. People of all varnas were allowed to attend the ritual
Right Option : B
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