Volume 1

The Thugs or Phansigars of India: comprising a history of the rise and progress of that extraordinary fraternity of assassins. And a description of the system which it pursues, and of the measures which have been adopted by the supreme government of India for its suppression / compiled from original and authentic documents published by Captain W.H. Sleeman.

  • Sleeman, W. H. (William Henry), Sir, 1788-1856.
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Thugs or Phansigars of India: comprising a history of the rise and progress of that extraordinary fraternity of assassins. And a description of the system which it pursues, and of the measures which have been adopted by the supreme government of India for its suppression / compiled from original and authentic documents published by Captain W.H. Sleeman. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    THEIR ARTS OF DECEPTION. Otherwise he appeared at first in a more humble character, and assumed in the course of his rapa- cious progress one of more importance, as he became possessed of horses and bullocks, which while they afforded him carriage for the plundered property, subserved the purpose of giving coun- tenance and support to his feigned character.* -- Phansigars are accustomed to wait at Choultries on the high roads, or near to towns where travel- lers are wont to rest. They arrive at such places and enter towns and villages in straggling parties of three or'” four persons, appearing to meet by accident and to have had no previous acquaintance. On such occasions, some of the gang are employed as emissaries to collect information, and especially to learn if any persons with property in their pos- session are about to undertake a journey. They are often accompanied by children of ten years of age and upwards, who, while they perform menial offices, are initiated into the horrid practices of the Phansigars, and contribute to prevent suspicion of their real character. Skilled in the arts of decep- tion, they enter into conversation and insinuate themselves, by obsequious attentions, into the con- fidence of travellers of all descriptions, to learn from them whence they come, whither and for what purpose they are journeying, and of what property they are possessed ;—thus— “ under fair pretence of friendly ends, And well placed words of glozing courtesy, Baited with reasons not un plausible, Wind them into the easy-hearted man; And hug them into snares.” * They still continue to assume all kinds of disguises, and in every considerable g’ang there are some who feign to be men of high rank, as merchants or the public servants of some Native Government.