Fire on the Mountain Character Analysis

Nanda Kaul

Nanda Kaul is an elderly Indian woman who grew up in a privileged family. She married the Vice-Chancellor and spent much of her adult life rearing their children, managing their servants, and helping her husband… read analysis of Nanda Kaul

Raka

Raka is Nanda Kaul’s great-granddaughter. Her mother Tara is the daughter of Nanda’s daughter Asha. Raka’s name means “moon,” but she is a slight, angular child. She is fascinated by and drawn to… read analysis of Raka

Ila Das

Ila Das is Nanda Kaul’s childhood friend. Although she grew up with privilege and wealth, her childhood was rendered difficult by the terrible sound of her voice, which caused other children to make fun… read analysis of Ila Das

Ram Lal

Ram Lal is Nanda Kaul’s elderly cook, although he helps with other chores around Carignano, too. He strikes up a friendship with Raka, telling her stories about Kasauli’s past as well as a… read analysis of Ram Lal

Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor was Nanda Kaul’s husband. He insisted on maintaining high standards, and for this reason his house was filled with expensive things, and his wife always wore silks and jewels. The Vice-Chancellor married… read analysis of Vice-Chancellor

Asha

Asha is one of Nanda Kaul’s and the Vice-Chancellor’s many children. She was a lovely child who grew up to be a lovely woman who married well. She spends most of her time… read analysis of Asha

Minor Characters

Father

Nanda Kaul’s father was a wealthy businessman. He features heavily in the stories Nanda Kaul tells Raka. As a character in these tales, he travels to exotic locations, cultivates exotic fruits, and keeps exotic animals as pets.

Tara

Tara is one of Asha’s daughters. She is married to an abusive and philandering diplomat, and she is Raka’s mother. Her many struggles cause her to experience frequent breakdowns of physical and mental health.

Vina

Vina is one of Asha’s daughters. It’s because of her impending childbirth that Asha cannot take care of Raka herself and instead sends Raka to stay with Nanda Kaul at Carignano.

Rima

Rima is Ila Das’s sister. An accomplished pianist, she makes a living for a time by offering lessons, but she eventually falls into crushing poverty.

Miss David

Miss David is the mathematics instructor with whom the Vice-Chancellor conducts a lifelong affair.

Grainseller

The grainseller is a shopkeeper in the Kasauli bazaar who is kind to Ila Das.

Preet Singh

Preet Singh is a villager who resents Ila Das’s interference in his attempts to marry off his seven-year-old daughter for financial gain. He murders Ila Das in retaliation.