The Thuggee cult was a group of criminals in India known for their ritualistic murders and robberies during the 19th century. They primarily targeted travelers, using deception and stealth to carry out their attacks. The term "Thug" is derived from the Hindi word "thag," meaning "deceiver." The British colonial authorities took significant action against the Thuggee cult in the 1830s and 1840s, leading to the arrest and execution of many members. The campaign against them was part of a broader effort to establish law and order in India, which was then under British rule.