Vintage Woodcut Engraving - Thugs of Aurangabad

"Thugs of Aurangabad,” a 19th-century woodcut engraving, illustrating prisoners identified as members of the notorious Thuggee cult. The image is believed to derive from Le Tour du Monde (1862-1864, published in 1869 by Edouard Charton, Hachette, Paris), in the section “Voyage in the Meridional Provinces of India,” following Alfred Grandidier’s travels. 

Printed with bold relief lines characteristic of woodcut technique, the engraving conveys both sensationalism and documentary interest, as was common in mid-19th century illustrated travel publications. The piece remains in very good condition, mounted on an off-white backing and presented in a contrasting black frame that enhances its dramatic subject and historical aura.