Khond Tribe, an indigenous ethnic group, mainly found in the Eastern Ghats of India, that is, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, is famous for having some very unique cultural rites and rituals of which one of the most important is the Meriah sacrifice. The carved Meriah sacrifice pillar, among the many artifacts related to this Meriah sacrifice, bears not only religious importance but also historical significance for the tribe.
These carved pillars were traditionally erected as pieces of Meriah sacrifice, wherein human beings are offered to their local deity, Illu Pinnu, for the blessings of prosperity, good harvests, and protection. However, this practice slowly was replaced by animal sacrifice, while the sacrifice pillar remained a link to the spiritual aspect of the tribe. These forks are to give convenience while binding the sacrifice, human or animal, at the time of ritual.
The Meriah sacrifice pillar is richly carved with symbols or motifs related with the religion of the people, i.e. images of gods, animals, and other spiritual artifacts. This reminds the tribe's prehistoric practices, most of which are modified or have gone into extinction today. Presently, these pillars remain historical relics of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices of the Khond tribe, providing insights into their past and the historical significance of ritual in their society.