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Re: Thuggs
M.W.A. (moasghar@cua.pharm.lon.ac.uk) wrote:
: I read somewhere that the Thugs believed they had a divine rite to kill
: and rob whomsoever they wished granted to them by Kali. I'm sorry I can't
: remeber where I read it but the gist of it was that Kali was trying to
: kill some demons but every time she struck one down with her sword two
: sprang up in its place ,it was only when two men helped her by strangling
: the demons with turbans/handkerchiefs that they actually died. In gratitude
: for their help Kali granted the two men and all their descendants the
: right to kill (by strangulation) and rob anyone they chose.
: Is there any truth in any of this? If so does it have
: repercussions for other Hindus i.e. can a hindu decide he wants to become
: a Thug and revive their way of life? and more importantly are there any
: genuine Thugs left in the world?
: Thanks in advance for all replies.
Dear Friend:
The word thug means 'a cheat'. They targeted weary travellers and
offered them shelter for the night, and kill them in their sleep and take
their money.
In my state, there were thugs and there are novels written about them,
especially by Sri Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. But there are no thugs
anymore, but the word remains in everyday use.
Some thugs were more direct and they would throw a small stick much
to a travellers knees to track them down from behind and rob them at
the spot.
It is not true that they claimed Divine inspiration or direction to
justify their acts, some robber gangs known as dacoits were more known
for worshipping the Divine Mother, but I have never heard that they
claimed Divine inspiration! I believe that your source is inaccurate.
With best regards,
Dhruba.
