Thug
Late 19th to early 20th century 
Half baked terracotta clay with pigments

The Museum’s collection of clay models and dioramas document people, lifestyles and culture in Mumbai from the late 19th to the early 20th century. This model of a thug is depicted with a large moustache and has a fearsome appearance. The controversial term 'thug' was coined during the colonial period and used by the British Government in India. . Thugs were said to be the followers of Hindu Goddess Kali and were known during the colonial era for their organized conspiracy of robbery and murder. Imprisoned thugs were often taught handicraft skills such as making carpets.