An important part of Indian culture since the dawn of civilization has been the Yagna. In fact, our ancestors' prowess in understanding advanced mathematics is best understood through its use in yagna. The Sulba Sutras, the oldest surviving mathematical texts, they exhibit an advanced understanding of geometry, fractions and exponents, written around 3000 years ago. Their primary purpose, was construction of fire altars for the yagna. And the most famous yagna, seen often in key stories, is the Ashvamedha Yagna, the 4th and last of the main yagnas that a successful king did in their progression to a respected emperor.

It was used by rulers to prove their undisputed claim on territory. The method to conduct the yagna is described in the Yajur Veda. It is a year long endeavor, so it began with setting up a camp, with a fire altar and surrounding structures made with very precise measurements. A white horse of the best breed available, satisfying various conditions described in the Yajur Veda's Upanishad Brahadharainyaka, was then worshipped, and released accompanied by the king's warriors to wander for a period of one year. The horse was to be protected at all costs, but not directed in any way. Whatever territory was traversed by the horse, would belong to the king conducting the yagna, unless a rival could dispute the king's authority by challenging the warriors accompanying the horse. Back at the camp, daily rituals will continue for the entire duration. After one year, if no enemy had managed to kill or capture the horse, the animal would be guided back to the camp. It would then be worshipped again, then sacrificed and the king would be declared as the undisputed ruler of all the land traversed by it.

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