Word: kali
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...their attempts to capture Man Singh, the most successful bandit leader of modern Indian history (TIME, July 19). But deep in the lush northern Indian jungles, protected by the monsoon rains, superstitious Bandit Man Singh was still going strong last week. He had prepared a sacrifice to the goddess Kali; tied to stakes before a stone idol were two terrified Indian policemen. While dacoits, members of Man Singh's band of robbers, chanted hymns, a priest reverently bathed the idol's feet, then sprinkled water from the same pitcher on the victims...
...Some Honor. The history of northern India is studded with the names of notorious outlaw dacoits who roam the hills in the name of Kali, robbing the rich, comforting the poor, and in general spreading terror and rough justice. No dacoit in modern times ever became so feared or respected as Man Singh in the years that followed his great oath of vengeance. Villages over an area of 8,000 square miles learned to tremble at news that his gang was near. Few moneylenders dared call in the police when Man Singh sent them the chopped-off finger...
...late years, Man Singh has returned to his old preoccupation with religious matters. He used much of his ill-won gains to erect temples in the valleys of Chambal and Betwa, to the goddess Kali and to Siva, the lord of destruction. He began appearing in the saffron robe of a priest, usually carrying prayer beads. But in one respect he remained relentless: he had vowed to kill every male member of the hated Brahman priest's family, and kill them he did, one by one, even though they tried to escape by going 650 miles away to Bombay...
...down were combing the wild hills in a desperate last attempt to bring him to justice, Man Singh's men made a swift raid on a village and shot dead the Brahman priest's only surviving relative. At last the dacoit had fulfilled his vow to Kali...
...week as the monsoon began blowing through India to make the jungle tracks impassable to all but panthers and dacoits, the 18-year hunt was once again suspended and the 4,000 policemen called off. In the hills of northern India, Man Singh, terror of kings and favored of Kali, still reigned supreme...