During the Vedic period, the religious rituals for the king were performed by the:

The "Purohita" was the royal priest who performed religious rituals and sacrifices for the king, and also acted as his adviser.

About the Purohita:

• The word means "one who is placed in front", showing his high position.
• He performed sacrifices for the king's welfare, for success in war, and for the prosperity of the kingdom.
• He accompanied the king to battle and prayed for victory.
• He advised the king on matters of religion and state.
• In the Rigveda, the sages Vasishtha and Vishvamitra served as purohitas of King Sudas of the Bharatas.
• The importance of the Purohita increased in the later Vedic period, when sacrifices became more elaborate.
• In later times, he became one of the most important members of the king's council.

Officials in the Vedic period:

• "Senani": the commander of the army.
• "Akshavapa": the keeper of the dice.
• "Suta": the charioteer and herald.
• Other officials ("ratnins") of the later Vedic period included the treasurer and the collector of taxes.

In later Indian political thought:

• The "Arthashastra" of Kautilya lists the Purohita among the important officers of the king, and says that he should be learned in the Vedas, astrology and statecraft.
• The Purohita was expected to guide the king in following dharma.

Priests in Vedic sacrifices:

The main priests at a sacrifice were associated with different Vedas: one recited Rigvedic hymns, one sang Samavedic chants, one performed the actions with Yajurvedic formulas, and one supervised.

Purohitas today:

The word "purohit" is still used in India for a family priest who conducts ceremonies such as marriages and other rites.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The Senani commanded the army.
• ✗The Akshavapa was the keeper of the dice.
• ✗The Suta was the charioteer and court bard.