Kanthapura

The three primary antagonists of the novel are Bade Khan, Bhatta, and Venkamma. What parts of the pre-existing social structure does each character represent, and why are they trying to preserve this society?

Moorthy is deeply committed to nonviolence as a protest method. Do you believe this method of protest is more or less effective than it was in the days of the Salt March, and why?

Kanthapura is seen as a study of Gandhian ideals in a fictional parable. What are three of the key ideas represented by Gandhi’s ideals, and how are they explored in the narrative?

The sites of Kanthapura and Skeffington are intended to represent Indian society as a whole in microcosm. Discuss two parallels for each location with the colonialist status quo in India at the time. 

Several characters leave Kanthapura in the aftermath of the showdown with the British authorities. Which of these characters do you think are well-equipped for the changes that are to come in Indian society? Which will struggle? Discuss three for both categories.

Discuss the impact of gender in Kanthapura. What are three ways in which gender holds characters back in the society, and three ways in which various characters challenge these limitations over the course of the novel?

Moorthy converts many new followers to his cause. Whose views change and evolve over the course of the novel, and how is this shown in their actions? 

Author Raja Rao weaves classic Hindu myths into the novel’s narrative. What purpose do these serve to understanding the story, and how do they parallel the events taking place in the main narrative?