Story in Russian

Published: 22 July 2023
on channel: Learn Russian fast with Rustories

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The text delves into the fascinating historical account of the Thug sect, a secretive and deadly group that operated in India during the 19th century. This intriguing story sheds light on a dark chapter in the country's past, where followers of the goddess Kali believed it was their divine duty to offer human sacrifices to appease her and bring happiness. These devotees, known as Thugs or Tughs, were composed of both Hindus and Muslims, men and women, united by their shared belief in their gruesome mission.

For centuries, the Thugs had managed to remain hidden from the British, who were conducting business in India for over two centuries. It wasn't until Major General Sir William Henry Slimane, a remarkably talented and knowledgeable individual, discovered the chilling reality of the Thugs during his tenure in the region. Slimane's knowledge of local languages and culture allowed him to establish close connections with the populace, giving him invaluable insights into the customs and attitudes of the people.

Upon capturing a leader of the Thug gang, Slimane was appalled to learn about the scale and terror of the organization. The Thugs had been operating throughout India, relentlessly killing people in large numbers, yet the British authorities were entirely oblivious to their existence. The revelations from the captured criminal were so astonishing that Slimane initially doubted their veracity, but a visit to the burial site of more than a hundred victims confirmed the gruesome reality.

The Thugs had a highly structured system, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to different members. They operated in different seasons and regions, targeting unsuspecting travelers in groups of 2 to 4 people. Their modus operandi involved gaining the trust of their victims before abruptly attacking and killing them. The murders were carried out swiftly and efficiently, leaving no trace of the victims.

However, not everyone was targeted by the Thugs. They adhered to certain restrictions, refraining from killing women, children, the sick, the disabled, and members of the lower castes. Even the British were exempted from their deadly operations, except for one rare instance. The Thugs developed their own secret language and sign system, enabling them to communicate effectively across different regions.

Eventually, the British authorities launched a systematic and merciless campaign against the Thugs, successfully dismantling the sect within a decade. The last Thug was executed in 1882, marking the end of the Tughs as a mass phenomenon in Indian life. However, it is still debated whether the number of Thug killings reached the staggering one million people during their active period from the middle of the 18th to the middle of the 19th century.

In modern-day India, there is a tendency to downplay or deny the existence of the Thugs, with some asserting that the tales of their crimes were exaggerated or concocted by the British. Yet, despite efforts to erase their history, the legacy of the Thugs lives on. Ritual killings in honor of the goddess Kali are still suspected to occur, though they are not openly discussed, as they mar the nation's image and statistics.

The discovery and eradication of the Thug sect serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities and mysteries that lie hidden within a country's history. It stands as a testament to the interplay of culture, beliefs, and colonial influence, leaving us to ponder the enigmatic and dark aspects of human civilization.

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