1. Ashwamedh is a Sanskrit text that details the ancient Vedic horse sacrifice ritual performed by rulers in India.
2. The ritual involves releasing a horse to wander for an entire year as a demonstration that the ruler's territory is properly administered and no enemies remain who could harm the horse.
3. If the horse returns unharmed after a year, it is a sign that the ruler's realm is secure and fit to perform the ultimate horse sacrifice ritual involving slaughtering the horse.