Big themes

Courage as something you do, not something you have · responsibility for others (what it really means to be “twice-born”) · resisting injustice wisely · friendship across old rivalries · how stories and legends can be used to control people.

Good to know

The book shows a conquering empire, slavery in a secret mine and some fighting, told for young readers without graphic detail. It draws on the Ramayana and gives familiar names new roles. Our Myth vs. Story page compares them.

Discussion Questions

Open a section to see its questions. They print all together.

Part 1: The Trial (Prologue to Chapter 5)

The Prologue says the gods “lost control of their story.” What does that mean? Why might a creator want creations that can surprise them?
In Chapter 3, Ravan wants to free the slave column but lowers his bow. Why? Do you think it was the right choice?
The Teacher says, “It is moments of fear that determine who you are.” What does Ravan find out about himself in Chapters 1 to 5?
Ravan realizes the simurgh he killed was a mother protecting her cub. How does that change what he does next?
Why does Ravan decide not to tell anyone about the mine? What could go wrong either way?

Part 2: Surpanakha's Choice (Chapters 6 to 10)

Shukra tells Surpanakha that “healing is not a performance.” What does he mean? Have you ever done something well mostly because someone was watching?
In Chapter 7, Harsha changes his mind about protecting Surpanakha “like a treasure in a glass case.” What does he decide a real friend does?
Surpanakha charges at her fear. Kumbhakarna sits still with his. Compare how the siblings handle Ravan going missing.
Wajra-Danssh is polite and honest, but he is still a slaver. How can someone be both?
Why does Surpanakha refuse to shorten her stride? What can a small act of resistance mean?

Part 3: The Rescue Party (Chapters 11 to 16)

Queen Kaikesi stops Ravan from speaking in Chapter 11. Why are his words so dangerous, and to whom?
Ravan and Vaasuki are rivals whose peoples are at war. What do they discover they have in common?
Wajra-Danssh offers Harsha and Surpanakha their freedom in exchange for fourteen common people. Why do they refuse so quickly?
Akampana says, “The legends are the fence.” How can stories be used to keep people afraid, or to control them?
What does “the taken” mean to the Nagas? What does the promise “We come back” ask of the people who make it?

Part 4: Ayasapur (Chapters 17 to 22)

Kaikesi tells Kumbhakarna that it takes more courage to sit still in the royal hall than to run into any jungle. Do you agree?
Maragat-Akash is beautiful and polite, and very cruel. How does the author show that good looks and good manners can hide cruelty?
Jatasuri's advice is “don't shine.” Harsha shines anyway to save the buffalo. When is it worth standing out, and when is it wiser not to?
Surpanakha calls names “the only free weapon in this entire valley.” What does she mean? How does learning names change the mine?
“We don't free two. We free three thousand.” How has Ravan changed since Chapter 1? What does “twice-born” mean by the end?

The Epilogue

The Epilogue moves to Namissa, a Naga girl serving in the emperor's temple. Why might an author show us the enemy's side at the end?
Indra says, “We don't want a dead realm. We want an obedient one.” What does that tell you about how empires work?
Predict: what will Namissa do with the secrets she now carries?

Vocabulary

Everyday English words from the book that are great for a word wall. For Sanskrit names and Naraka words, see the glossary below.

Word	Chapter	Meaning
creditor	1	A person you owe money to.
tribute	2	Payment a conquered people is forced to give its rulers.
halberd	2	A long pole weapon with an axe blade and a spike.
poultice	4	A soft, damp healing paste put on a wound.
imprinted	4	When a baby animal bonds with the first one who cares for it.
vigil	5	Staying awake to watch, wait or pray.
protocol	6	The official rules for how to behave.
parapet	6	A low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony.
treason	7	Betraying your ruler or country.
mien	7	The way a person looks or carries themselves.
palisade	10	A wall made of tall, pointed wooden stakes.
comported	10	Behaved.
strategist	13	Someone who makes careful plans to reach a goal.
quota	14	A set number that must be reached.
quartermaster	15	The person in charge of supplies.
coffle	16	A line of captives chained together.
sentry	16	A guard who keeps watch.
seclusion	17	Being kept apart from other people.
superintendent	18	The person in charge of a place.
reprisal	18	A punishment done in revenge.
ration	18	A fixed amount of food given to each person.
network	20	A group of people connected to each other.
cipher	Epilogue	A secret code.

Classroom Activities

Map detectives

On the interactive map, find Lanka, the Ayasapur mine, Vidyadharapura and the Kinnara steppes. Why is it surprising that Kinnaras turn up in the jungle? Have students draw their own map of the aranya from clues in the text.

Myth detectives

Pick a character from the Myth vs. Story page. Read a short traditional version, then write a paragraph on what the book kept and what it changed, and why that might matter.

Three thousand names

Inspired by Chapter 20: everyone learns the names (and one fact) of five classmates they don't know well. Discuss why being called by name matters.

What makes you twice-born?

The Teacher says becoming an adult means taking responsibility for your own actions, and becoming twice-born means taking responsibility for others. Students write about a time they did one or the other.

Ravan's Trial: Glossary & Pronunciation Guide

The Naraka Cycle, Book One, by Sundar Nathan. Say the CAPITAL part a little louder.

Printable Glossary

Every name and Naraka word with its pronunciation, ready to print and hand out.

Request a School or Library Visit

Interested in an author visit, in person or by video? Tell us a little about your group, and Sundar will get back to you about availability.

Bring Naraka to Your Classroom