Presented by khushi kothari
the magic of lost temple
Introduction
The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha
Murty follows 12-year-old Nooni, a
city girl who visits her grandparents'
village. Initially bored, she discovers an
ancient stepwell and embarks on an
exciting adventure with her new
friends. The story blends history,
culture, and friendship, making for a
captivating and educational tale.
About Author
Sudha Murty is an Indian author, philanthropist, and
educator. She is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation
and has written numerous books in English and Kannada,
ranging from children's stories to novels and travelogues.
Known for her simple yet impactful writing style, her
works often focus on social issues, values, and Indian
traditions. She has received several awards for her
literary and philanthropic efforts, including the Padma
Shri. Sudha Murty is admired for her contributions to
literature, especially in inspiring young readers with her
moral and thought-provoking stories.
characters
1. Nooni: The main protagonist, a curious and adventurous
12-year-old girl from the city who visits her grandparents'
village for the summer
2. Ajja (Grandfather): Nooni’s wise and knowledgeable
grandfather who introduces her to village life and its
traditions.
3. Ajji (Grandmother): Nooni’s loving grandmother who takes
care of her and shares stories about the village's past.
4. Nooni’s Friends: A group of village kids who become
Nooni's companions in her adventures. Together, they explore
the village and the mysterious stepwell.
5. The Villagers: Various villagers play small but important
roles, adding depth to Nooni’s experiences and helping her
learn about rural life and culture.
chapter 1
nooni’s arrival in the village
The protagonist of the story is Nooni, a 12-year-old girl from Bangalore.
Nooni is a city girl, living a modern life filled with gadgets and
schoolwork. When her parents decide to send her to spend the summer
vacation with her grandparents in a small village in Karnataka, Nooni is
both excited and apprehensive. She doesn’t know what to expect from life
in a rural area.
On arriving in the village, she is welcomed warmly by her grandparents. Her
grandfather is a retired headmaster, and her grandmother is a loving,
traditional woman who manages the household. Right from the start, Nooni
notices that life in the village is much slower and simpler compared to her
bustling life in the city. The surroundings are green, the air is fresh, and
everything is peaceful.
chapter 2
Life in the village
At first, Nooni struggles to adjust to the village lifestyle.
There's no TV or the internet, and she feels bored without
her usual distractions. However, as days pass, she begins
to enjoy the calm and charm of the village. Her
grandmother teaches her to make papad (traditional
Indian wafers) and pickle, while her grandfather tells her
stories about the village’s history and culture.
Nooni also makes new friends in the village—her first
friend being a girl named Thampi, followed by Avinash,
Sudhir, and Mahadeva. Together, they spend their days
cycling, playing traditional games, and exploring the
village surroundings.
chapter 3
The discovery of the stepwell
One day, while out exploring with her friends, Nooni comes across something
unusual—a large, intricately designed stepwell, also known as a “kalyani” in
Kannada. The stepwell is hidden behind a dense growth of weeds and has clearly
been neglected for years. Nooni and her friends are immediately intrigued by the
stepwell’s grandeur and wonder about its history.
The stepwell is a mysterious structure, and its beauty captivates Nooni. She
senses that the stepwell has a significant history attached to it, and the thought
of unraveling its secrets fills her with excitement. She asks her grandfather and
other village elders about it, but no one seems to know much about the stepwell’s
origins. It is simply referred to as the “lost temple.”
chapter 4
uncovering the history of the stepwell
Determined to find out more, Nooni embarks on a mission to learn the
history of the stepwell. She spends hours listening to her
grandfather’s stories and asking questions to various people in the
village. Through her research, Nooni discovers that the stepwell was
once a thriving part of the village, used as a source of water for both
drinking and religious purposes. Long ago, the village had a bustling
temple complex, and the stepwell played a crucial role in the daily
lives of the people.
However, over the years, as modern infrastructure developed, the
stepwell and temple became neglected, eventually falling into
disrepair. The forest grew around the area, hiding the stepwell from
view, and the memory of its importance faded from the collective
consciousness of the villagers.
chapter 5
The stepwell and the village’s heritage
As Nooni digs deeper into the stepwell’s history, she learns that the structure is
not just a source of water, but also a place of religious and cultural
significance. Stepwells, or "baolis," were often built near temples and were used
as sacred spaces for rituals. They were also important community spaces
where people gathered, especially during festivals.
With the help of her friends and the village elders, Nooni pieces together the
story of the stepwell and the temple that once stood beside it. She learns that
the stepwell was constructed by a king hundreds of years ago, and it had been
a symbol of prosperity for the village. However, due to wars and changes in
governance, the stepwell and temple were abandoned and eventually forgotten.
chapter 6
restoration of the stepwell
Nooni’s discovery of the stepwell creates a buzz in the village. Inspired by her
curiosity and passion for history, the villagers decide to restore the stepwell and
bring attention to its historical importance. The entire village comes together to
clean up the area around the stepwell, clearing away the weeds and debris that had
accumulated over the years.
The villagers contact the local government and heritage experts to assist with the
restoration. A team of archaeologists visits the site and confirms the stepwell’s
historical value, making it a protected monument. The restoration project not only
revives the physical structure of the stepwell but also reawakens the village’s
connection to its cultural heritage.
chapter 7
nooni’s personal growth
Throughout the summer, Nooni grows in many ways. Her time in the village helps
her appreciate the simple pleasures of life—such as spending time with family,
learning traditional skills, and understanding the importance of nature and
history. She becomes more independent, confident, and knowledgeable.
Her bond with her grandparents strengthens, and she comes to value their
wisdom and stories, which have deepened her understanding of her roots. The
experience also teaches her the importance of preserving history and cultural
heritage for future generations.
By the end of her stay, Nooni has not only learned about the lost temple and
stepwell but also discovered a lot about herself. She leaves the village with fond
memories, lifelong friendships, and a newfound love for history and adventure.
Conclusion
The Magic of the Lost Temple is a story of discovery and growth.
Through Nooni’s journey, Sudha Murty weaves together themes of
family, friendship, history, and cultural preservation. The novel serves
as a reminder of the importance of respecting our heritage and staying
curious about the world around us. It’s a beautiful narrative that
captures the charm of rural life and the significance of uncovering and
preserving historical treasures.