Chithravadham

""Chithravadham"" is a kind of death punishment which was prevailant in medieval Kerala. It was given only to the members of lower castes.
Method
The body of the person to be executed is pierced with a sharp iron rod which is stabbed into his/her anus. The iron rod is thrusted in until it comes out through the other side, i.e, either neck or shoulder. Then both the ends of the iron rod are fastened to a tree keeping a vertical position to the rod. The executed person dies due to severe injury to internal organs as well as bleeding. After fastening to the tree, the executed person's body hangs without any support.
Communal Discrimination
The punishment of Chithravadham was given only to the lower classes.
Other Forms of Punishments
1. Plucking out the eyes
2. Trampling by elephant
3. Mutilation of limbs
4. Enslavement
5. Whipping and then applying chilli powder in the wounds and making him stand in the sun.
6. Excommunication
7. Fine
(Of these, Brahmins were given only the last two punishments.)
Brahmins were given only the last two punishments.)
Referances

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See Also

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