Deities

The foremost deity of the Ṛgveda, Indra is the martial god who grants Sudās victory over the confederacy. RV 7.18 and 7.83 describe Indra as the divine ally of the Bharatas, shattering the confederacy's defences and casting their forces into the Paruṣṇī.

Deified as both a river goddess and the goddess of wisdom, Sarasvatī is invoked in RV 7.95–96 for her purifying, life-giving waters. She is the most sacred river of the Ṛgvedic world and a witness to the Bharata campaigns.

Varuṇa upholds Ṛta — the cosmic order — and governs the celestial waters. He is invoked alongside Indra in RV 7.83 as a joint bestower of victory, reflecting the dual kingship of Indra-Varuṇa over the divine assembly.

Agni is the divine hotr̥ (priest) and messenger between gods and men. Every Ṛgvedic hymn begins with his invocation. He carries the offerings of the Bharata priests to the gods, securing divine favour for the campaign.

The twin horsemen-gods, youthful healers who rescue the imperilled. Their swift chariot is a constant presence in the hymns, and they are invoked for protection during river crossings and battle.

The rain-god who quickens the earth and swells the rivers. His role is felt in the Dāśarājñá hymns through the imagery of swelling rivers and storm-driven battle.

The guardian of roads and wanderers, Pūṣan ensures safe journeys. He is invoked in the context of the Bharata marches across the Saṃhita region.

The 'All-Gods' are invoked collectively as a body of divine witnesses to the war. Their presence legitimises the conflict and the supremacy of Indra-Varuṇa's chosen side.

The legendary r̥ṣi to whom RV 3.33 (the Vipāś-Śutudrī crossing hymn) is attributed. He mediates between the divine and the Bharata king Sudās, composing hymns that secure divine aid for the campaign.

The deified offering that fuels the gods and grants Indra the strength to defeat the confederacy. Soma is both the drink and the god, central to Vedic ritual.