Thugs

Thug is a term historically associated with a criminal organization operating in India, particularly during the Mughal Empire and into the British Raj. The term "thuggee" refers to their practice of ritualistic robbery and murder. Members of this group, known as "thugs," were believed to have worshipped a goddess, often identified as Kali, and would often travel in disguise, befriending unsuspecting victims before ambushing and killing them, typically by strangulation. Their motives were primarily economic, though religious undertones are frequently cited in historical accounts.

The British colonial administration in India launched a concerted effort to eradicate thuggee in the 19th century, leading to widespread arrests and trials. This campaign was largely successful, and the organized practice of thuggee eventually declined.

In modern usage, the term "thug" has evolved and is often used more broadly and colloquially. It can refer to a violent criminal, a ruffian, or an aggressive and intimidating person. This contemporary meaning is less specific than its historical origin and can be applied to individuals or groups exhibiting violent or antisocial behavior, often without the specific ritualistic or organizational context of historical thugs. The term is sometimes used pejoratively and can carry connotations of lawlessness and brutality.