244 GANJAM. 



human sacrifice is held to be the most 

 acceptable, but failing that a buffalo 

 may be offered. The rite is known as 

 the " Meria." 



The Khonds never devoted a member 

 of their own race to the " Meria " ; the 

 victims were kidnapped in childhood 

 from the plains and sold to the Khonds 

 by wretches of the lowest caste, who 

 made this their trade. But the captives 

 were not sacrificed then and there, nor 

 were they made aware of their destiny ; 

 every indulgence available to the com- 

 munity was lavished upon them, and 

 they were regarded as set apart for a 

 sacred purpose. When the time came 

 for a sacrifice, they were half stupefied 

 with liquor and drugs, and taken to the 

 appointed place in solemn procession, 



