1. Why is Tamar surprised at the lies and deceit of other members of his caste?

2. What is the significance of personal obligation in The Iron Ring? What different kinds of obligation are to be found in the novel?

3. Is the list that identifies the different characters in the tale necessary?

4. Is a social system based on dharma a good one? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Would American society benefit from dharma? What social problems might it help to fix?

5. What does the iron ring symbolize?

6. Why does Mirri want Tamar to go to Mahapura? Does her explanation make sense?

7. Why is Rajaswami horrified by the sight of chandalas? Why does he later change his mind?

8. What makes Nahusha a bad man? 9. Will Tamar be a good king? 10. Can Tamar, after the defeat of Nahusha, trust the kings who promise to have their kingdoms...