Kanthapura

As Chapter 12 opens, the rains have come to Kanthapura, and it is plowing season. Although he is no longer the village Patel, Range Gowda remains very involved in the preparations. Everyone gathers in Priest Rangappa’s temple to pray to the the local goddess for a good harvest. They pray for their goddess to protect them and for Moorthy’s safe return. They speak about what they will do when he returns, and how they will treat him. They know the date is coming soon, and shortly thereafter, a letter is delivered from the postman letting them know that Moorthy has been released from prison. The village holds a celebration and prepares a large welcome ceremony for him. When Venkamma discovers that the celebration conflicts with her daughter’s wedding day, she reminds everyone that Moorthy was excommunicated, forcing people to choose between the two events. Although most of the married women feel obligated to go to the nuptial ceremony, many of the younger members of the village await the blue bus that will bring Moorthy back to them. There’s a delay, and many wonder if something has gone wrong, but eventually they find out that Moorthy was taken off the bus and brought by car to Rangamma’s house. A crowd gathers around the house, but the police disperse them without letting them see Moorthy. The police stay in the village, with Bade Khan’s son, also called Bade Khan, joining his father at the estates. It is not until the next morning that Moorthy is seen again at the river.

As Chapter 13 begins, Moorthy addresses the crowd, telling them that they must unite and join Gandhi in a fast. He urges them to continue producing their wares, and to remember that all members of the Congress are one and not divided by Caste. Moorthy keeps the village appraised of Gandhi’s pilgrimage each time he receives a white paper from the city, and more and more volunteers patrol the city out of Rangamma’s house. Across the area, resistance is growing. Many Patels resign their jobs in protest. The village follows the events of what will become known as the Salt March, eager to join in similar marches. Moorthy tells them to be patient and await word from the Karwar Congress. Rangamma focuses the village’s efforts on training. The village views Mahatma Gandhi as the big mountain in the distance, unmovable, and Moorthy as their own small mountain, just as strong.

Chapter 14 begins with the village hearing news of Gandhi’s arrest during the Salt March, and in response, Moorthy announces a campaign of boycotting the government. The village deliberates exactly what measures to take, and Moorthy explains that “Don’t Touch the Government” essentially means to establish a parallel government alongside the existing one. They will abstain from government resources and live off what they produce themselves. They will not recognize the government’s authority, and although they will remain nonviolent, they will refuse to render taxes unto the government. Moorthy emphasizes that their goal is to send out love where there is hatred and nonviolence is the key to their success. Their will is tested when a police inspector comes to the village two days later. The village is on a march to the local grove and the inspector attempts to turn them back. Moorthy makes clear that they will not be deterred. The police respond with violence, attacking the marchers with batons. The more the police beat the marchers, the more it strengthens the marchers’ resolve. The group later marches on the police station where many of their number have been taken. The marchers demand the release of their comrades. They march until exhausted and hold a vigil in the hall of the police station. Locals come to offer their support and food and drink to the protesters. Word spreads of the rebellion and they gain more and more supporters from the surrounding villages.

Chapter 15 opens on market day in Kanthapura, as the activists prepare to picket colonialist shops and goods. However, Moorthy stops them and reminds them that they are against old tyrants. As they walk to the market, various vendors stop them and offer them goods. When they arrive at the coffee estate, the coolies and pariahs all come out to greet them and join them in their march. The police soon set upon them as they arrive at the market and the marchers fight back, but Moorthy urges them to hold back in the name of Mahatma Gandhi. The police brutally beat Rangamma, which enrages her fellow protesters. One of the marchers is killed, and the rest, including Range Gowda, are loaded into a truck and taken to prison.