INTRODUCTION. 



8S 



and part of Arabia, all round these regions horses 

 had multiplied at an early period, as we shall see 

 in the sequel. 



In the most ancient legislation of India, dating 

 back to a period nearly coeval with Moses, horses 

 are mentioned, and in particular, where the astca- 

 meda jug^ or sacrifice of these animals is enjoined, 

 which, during the predominance of the worship of 

 Kali, was an awful solemnity, only next to the im- 

 molation of a human victim. The importance thus 

 bestowed upon a horse shows, however, the scarcity 

 of the species at that period; but in later ages, 

 horses for sacrifice or ascribed to mystical purposes 

 occur, already bearing denomination of breeds and 

 of native countries : thus the hy^ explained to refer 

 to Arabia, on account of their swiftness are designed 

 to carry angels ; the tahzees of Persia belong to 

 Kundhorps, or good genii ; the wasba, a deformed 

 kind of tahzees^ are ridden by Gins and demons; 

 and the ashoor^ of Toorkee race, perform the jour- 

 neys of mankind. Although this legend is evi- 

 dently of a comparative late date, it is remarkable 

 that no Indian indigenous horse is mentioned, and 

 as for the iTy, interpreted Arabian, the explanation 

 is probably still more recent. '"' 



* See also the Mahaharata^ where, under the mystical de- 

 nominations of gods and superhuman agents, Kauravas and 

 Pandavas^ it appears that the first great military religious in- 

 vasion of India is recorded ; and in the enumeration of the 

 Akshaushinis, or corps of armies, both chariots and cavalry are 

 mentioned. 



