Ganaka Vaideha (the king of the Videhas) sacrificed with a sacrifice at which many presents were offered to the priests of (the Asvamedha). Brahmanas of the Kurus and the Pankalas had come thither, and Ganaka Vaideha wished to know, which of those Brahmanas was the best read. So he enclosed a thousand cows, and ten padas (of gold) were fastened to each pair of horns.

In plain words: King Janaka of Videha held a great sacrifice and gave rich gifts to the priests, and many learned Brahmins (priests and scholars) came. Wanting to know who was the most learned, he set aside a thousand cows with gold tied to their horns as a prize.