Human Sacrifice

In the olden days, human sacrifice was common, but during the Vijayanagara Empire, the practice was restricted. The emperor once ordered that a bridge be constructed across the Tungabhadra River, but it collapsed even before it was completed. The superstitious villagers attributed the destruction of the bridge to an evil spirit.

"We must sacrifice a human to appease the spirit," they said.

The emperor was in a dilemma; he wanted the bridge to be built but was not in favor of human sacrifice. So he sought Tenali Rama's counsel. The clever Rama came up with a plan that would satisfy the people and thereby allow the bridge to be built.

"Your Majesty," he said, "there are many criminals in our kingdom who are on death row. We can sacrifice one of them at the construction site."

The king was put at ease and rewarded Rama for his advice.