A Popular Account of Thugs and Dacoits, the Hereditary Garotters and Gang-Robbers of India

Name: A Popular Account of Thugs and Dacoits, the Hereditary Garotters and Gang-Robbers of India
Author: James Hutton

By James Hutton

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - Other History - Religious

About This Book

The book offers a popular investigative account of hereditary garotters and gang-robbers in India, tracing claimed origins to ancient pastoral groups and detailing clan organization, regional branches, and customary disguises. It describes methods of murder, notably the use of cords and nooses, initiation rites, social rules governing families, and economic and nomadic practices that aided evasion. The narrative examines religious syncretism that frames the crimes as divinely sanctioned, internal hierarchies and penalties, and testimony from captured members and officials to illustrate operations, recruitment, and variations such as female infanticide among some clans.

About the Author

James Hutton

James Hutton was an influential Scottish geologist and naturalist, often regarded as the father of modern geology. His groundbreaking work, "Theory of the Earth," laid the foundation for understanding geological processes and the concept of deep time, challenging contemporary views on the Earth's history. Hutton's observations and theories emphasized the cyclical nature of geological formations and the slow processes of erosion and sedimentation. In addition to his geological contributions, he also wrote "A Popular Account of Thugs and Dacoits," which explored the social and criminal aspects of Indian society during the British colonial period. Hutton's interdisciplinary approach and innovative thinking have left a lasting impact on both geology and social sciences.