In the context of the political evolution of Later Vedic chiefdoms into territorial states, the complex ritual of the Ashvamedha sacrifice functioned primarily as a vehicle for which purpose?

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The Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) evolved past simple pastoral horse tracking into a major geopolitical strategy in the Later Vedic phase. A consecrated stallion was released to wander for a year, shadowed by a royal army. Any chief allowing the horse to pass acknowledged the supreme king sovereignty; stopping the horse triggered a battle, allowing kings to expand their sphere of influence and construct early empires.

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