Author: Kevin Rushby
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 292
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0143029991
Description
In Children of Kali, Kevin Rushby investigates the dark side of India. His quest to uncover the reality behind Veerappan's story and that of the thugs takes him to prisons and gangster hideouts, probing the nature of crime and punishment.
Part history and part personal record, Children of Kali revels how British India demonized millions as hereditary criminals, setting off a witch-hunt whose effects are still felt today. It is a book about the misunderstandings of what is alien and exotic - and few things have been more misunderstood than the nature of Kali herself.
They murdered more than a million Indian travelers without spilling a drop of blood. They were inspired by religious fanatics, yet came from many faith. Their weapon was the handkerchief, their sacrament sugar, and their goddess Kali. They were the thugs, the greatest criminal gang in history.
Modern day bandit Veerapan is also responsible for more than a hundred murders. Some say he is a freedom fighter, others that he is a vicious killer. Still at large in the jungles, he is India's most wanted man and notorious criminal.
Two criminal legends: one ancient, one modern, but both deceptions, distorted and misused by those in power to further their own ends.
Contents
Illustrations
Acknowledgements
PART ONE - HEROES AND VILLAINS
A Million Murders
Bollywood
A Working-Caste Hero
The River
PART TWO - DARKNESS DOUBLED
North to Jabalpur
Narsinghpur
People of Fain
The End of Thuggee
PART THREE - A LITTLE LIGHT BREATHING
Jhansi (and a day trip to Mumbai)
Mother Ganga
Kashi
Slowly Across the Ganges
Ma's Message
Glossary
Bibliography
Index