ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE HISTORY AND PRACTICES OF THE THUGS. AND NOTICES OF SOME OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THE CRIME OF THUGGEE. LONDON: WM H. ALLEN AND Co. LEADENHALL STREET. INTRODUCTION. THE limited portion of information recently obtained in this country as to the existence and practices of the classes of Assassins known by the name of Thugs, has had the effect of directing public curiosity to the subject; and the following pages have been compiled with a view to the gratification of that feeling. The best authorities have been consulted; and the general views which are presented to the reader may claim at least the praise of accuracy. As the object of the writer was to convey information, and to afford as just, and, at the same time, as vivid a picture as possible of the strange state of society which it was his duty to exhibit, he has in many instances given the confessions or depositions of members of the Thug fraternity in their own language, in preference to rendering them into his own. This plan, it was conceived, would afford to the reader a degree of insight into the characters and feelings of these murderers, superior to that which could be derived from the perusal of a mere narrative. The authorities for the facts related are, in many instances, referred to: but it would be unjust to close these remarks without a general acknowledgment of the services rendered by Captain Sleeman to the cause of justice and good government, as well in the collection and diffusion of information respecting the Thugs, as in more active labours for their suppression. To the researches of that Gentleman, all writers on the subject, in common with the author of this volume, must be deeply indebted. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE HISTORY AND PRACTICES OF THE THUGS. CHAP. I. THE existence of large bodies of men having no other means of subsistence than those afforded by plunder, is, in all countries, too common to excite surprise; and, unhappily, organized bands of assassins are not peculiar to India! The associations of murderers known by the name of Thugs present, however, so many remarkable points of character and manners, that curiosity may reasonably be excited to inquire into the history, and ascertain the feelings, opinions, and motives of persons differing, in many respects, so widely even from all other followers of their own horrible occupation. In different parts of India, these ruffians assume, and have been designated by, various names, derived either from the mode by which they dispatch their victims-from the purpose for which they destroy |