The Moonstone · Character

The Indians

Three Hindu priests in European dress who track the stolen Moonstone across England, patient, courteous, and utterly implacable in their mission.

supporting

Also known as Indians, Hindus, The Hindus

First appearance: Chapter II

As a supporting figure in The Moonstone, The Indians is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Three Indian officers of the palace are found dead or dying in the treasury; one prophesies vengeance on Herncastle.

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They are the diamond's rightful guardians, sworn to return it to the temple from which Herncastle tore it, and they pursue it with quiet, methodical devotion. One visits Murthwaite disguised as a client, offering a jeweled casket as security and asking only how long a loan might run, his grave politeness barely concealing the assassin beneath. Their watchful presence shadows the Verinder household from the moment the Moonstone arrives, turning a family celebration into a contest over a sacred object.

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See The Indians in Chapter II

Character Web

20 connections

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Character groups

Moonstone Investigation Core

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological turning point where Franklin Blake confro…

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The Indians appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Three Indian officers of the palace are found dead or dying in the treasury; one prophesies vengeance on Herncastle.
III
Three Indian jugglers who perform a scrying ritual with a boy to see Franklin Blake's approach.
VII
Suspected by Betteredge of lurking about the house; a small bottle of thick black liquor is found on the walk, linking them to the earlier juggling trick.
Second Narrative
Still lurking near the Verinder estate, believed to be connected to the Moonstone's theft.
Chapter II
One of the three Indians, likely the chief, visits Mr. Bruff disguised in European clothes, seeking a loan.
Chapter III
Central to the discussion; their pursuit of the Moonstone is analyzed, including their imprisonment and subsequent moves.
II
Identified as the three Hindu conspirators likely responsible for the murder and theft of the Moonstone.
I: The Statement of Sergeant Cuff’s Man (1849)
Three Indian men suspected of murder, who evade pursuit by disembarking at Gravesend and sailing for Bombay.
II: The Statement of the Captain (1849)
Three Hindu passengers who escaped the ship by stealing a boat and rowing ashore.
III: The Statement of Mr. Murthwaite (1850)
The three Brahmins who appear at the ceremony; recognized by Murthwaite from the Verinder estate.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Indians in Chapter II

See The Indians in III