Human Sacrifice among the Khonds of Orissa C.1836-1861: A Study

Abstract

The Khonds of Orissa, who lived in the mountainous terrains independently with practically no contact with the outside world, practised human sacrifices to their deity, the Earth-Goddess since time immemorial. After its discovery by the British in 1836, attempts using various measures including a agency specifically meant to suppress the rite resulted in the substitution of the rite with animals. Contact with the British and the Christian missionaries exposed the Khonds to a larger society with socio-economic consequences.