Page:The People of India — a series of photographic illustrations, with descriptive letterpress, of the races and tribes of Hindustan Vol 1.djvu/86

Rh The Khorea Korewahs resort in large numbers to an annual fair held at Mihini on the borders of Sirgoojah, and give in barter for salt and other necessaries, wax, arrowroot, resin and gums, honey and stick lac, and excellent iron smelted by themselves. The Khorea iron, sold roughly fashioned into battle-axes, is greatly praised by the inhabitants of all the neighbouring states.

The Photographs are of Korewahs of Khorea, brought in for the purpose by the brother of their chief, the Dewan Eampershad Sing. They had never been so far from then homes before, and had never previously seen a European. As Dr. Simpson had not arrived, it was found necessary to detain them for some days, and then alarm at this was excessive. It is possible that they regarded the good feeding they were indulged in as but the preparation for the sacrifice they were destined to be the victims of; but eventually they left the station well pleased with the result of their visit, and promising to come again.

In the Journal of the Asiatic Society for January, 1848, page 68, is the following mention of the Korewahs:—

"In these hills (in Sirgoojah) are a race of people who are stated to devour their own parents when too old to work, the Korewahs: they do it as a religious duty, I am informed, are almost naked, and are seldom or ever seen."

This is from an article by the late Colonel J. K. Ouseley, "but the Korewahs," says Colonel Dalton, "whom I have seen, indignantly repudiate such unnatural conduct as is ascribed to them. The story is altogether incredible."