Cultural Heritage and Childhood Adventure in Sudha Murty’s The Magic of the Lost Temple
Sr No:
Page No:
17-18
Language:
English
Authors:
S. Saikripa*, Dr. M. Sivaselvi & Dr. N. Sumathi
Received:
2026-04-11
Accepted:
2026-05-07
Published Date:
2026-05-20
Abstract:
The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murty is a remarkable contribution to contemporary Indian children’s literature.
The novel presents the story of Nooni, a young city girl who spends her vacation in her grandparents’ village in Karnataka. Through
her experiences, the narrative explores themes of curiosity, cultural heritage, friendship, environmental awareness, and the importance
of preserving history. The discovery of an ancient stepwell becomes symbolic of reconnecting with forgotten traditions and indigenous
knowledge. Sudha Murty uses simple language and vivid storytelling to bridge the gap between urban and rural life while teaching
moral and cultural values to young readers. This article examines the novel from cultural, social, and literary perspectives and
highlights how the text promotes identity, community bonding, and appreciation of Indian traditions. The study also focuses on the
representation of childhood adventure and the educational significance of storytelling in shaping ethical values among children. The
novel ultimately emphasizes that true learning comes through observation, exploration, and human relationships.
Keywords:
Children’s Literature, Cultural Heritage, Rural Life, Adventure, Tradition, Identity, Moral Values.