Dharampal Singh, 72, was gathering pieces of dry wood for havan in Tikri, Uttar Pradesh, when the troop of monkeys threw more than 20 bricks, striking him in the head and chest.

Mr Singh later died in hospital.

It is thought the monkeys had taken the bricks from a nearby dilapidated building before climbing a tree and attacking Mr Singh.

The incident was the latest in a string of violent behaviour from monkeys which has led Mr Singh’s fellow villagers in the north Indian state, which is home to the Taj Mahal, to complain to police.