27th January 1657
Saṃsada Bhavana Parade Grounds, Imperial Capital Bengaluru, Akhand Bhartiya Samrajya
"I have to say, even though this nation is filled with infidels, some of the rituals they perform are very interesting," Oscar Andersson of Sweden said, remembering the horse-sending ceremony that he had witnessed yesterday.
What Oscar was talking about was of course the Ashvamedha Yaga, an ancient Vedic ritual conducted by kings to assert their sovereignty and power. This ritual involves selecting a white horse without any blemishes to symbolize the king's power and majesty. This horse is set free to roam for a year, accompanied by the royal guard. The horse's wandering signifies the extent of the king's domain during this time.