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." ; - ■ x 



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. 



