HUMAN SACRIFICE
Human sacrifice was common in ancient India. Even today also, there are reports of human sacrifice made by savage people. Human sacrifice was banned at the Vijayanagaram empire during Krishnadevarayar’s rule.
What can be done, if human sacrifice is the only solution to set things right?
Raman found a way to perform human sacrifice. A bridge, constructéd across the river Tungabhadra by the king, washed away even before its construction was over. Superstition among the public was that the destruction of the bridge was caused due to the anger of a ghost.
‘The ghost did not like the bridge. To appease the ghost, a human sacrifice is a must’ , the people said. ‘If it is not made the bridge will collapse before its comple- tion’, a monk opinioned. He was a Cluel and a saddist monk. The king was in a dilemma. He wanted the bridge to be built across the river Thungabhadra . The bridge has to be strong and durable.
The king consulted Raman, ‘A human sacrifice is necessary for a durable bridge’ , Raman said. His reply doubled the king’s grief. ‘f am not willing to erect a bridge by sacrificing innocent people. It is unwise to please the ghost like this,’ the king declared.
But Raman has other ideas. He advised ‘the bridge has to be built. It is necessary for the nation’s progress. The ghost can be pleased by performing human sacrifice„ There are ways for it’.
‘What are the ways?’ , the king was eager to know about it. ‘There are number of criminals in the country who were sentenced to death. Their lives should be sacrificed for public welfare. Now onwards, execute their sentences at the site of the bridges to be built. Your highness should issue necessary orders in this regard. The problem can be solved in this manner’ , Raman clarified.
The king showed a sign of relief. He was excited. He rewarded Raman by presenting 1000 gold sovereigns. The king was always generous to Raman. That made the court jester a rich man