Chattar Lal

Lore & Background

Chattar Lal holds a dual role as both the Prime Minister of Pankot and a high-ranking member of the Thuggee cult. While the villagers of Mayapore plead for help after their children are stolen, Lal is revealed to be one of the evil forces responsible. He is enchanted by the arrival of Jones and his companions but quickly becomes offended when Indy questions the palace's history or mentions his own dubious past. Lal uses his position to maintain the cult's operations, which involve brainwashing the Maharaja and using enslaved children to find the remaining Sankara stones.

In Their Own Story

Upon the trio's arrival at Pankot Palace, Chattar Lal welcomes them warmly as guests for a banquet hosted by Maharaja Zalim Singh. During the night, however, he is complicit in the events that unfold when Jones discovers tunnels underneath the palace. While exploring with Willie and Short Round, they observe cultists conducting human sacrifices. The source confirms that Lal, revealed to be a Thuggee worshipper, is part of the group that possesses three Sankara stones and has abducted the children of Mayapore. His betrayal becomes explicit as he assists in the brainwashing of Singh and the enslavement of the village's youth.

Reader's Guide

Chattar Lal represents the treacherous nature of Pankot Palace, acting as a bridge between the surface world of the Maharaja and the subterranean horrors of the Thuggee cult. Fans should note that his character is defined by his reaction to Indiana Jones; he is initially charmed but turns hostile when Indy begins probing into the palace's secrets. His role extends beyond mere administration, as he actively participates in the cult's rituals and the enslavement of children. Unlike the high priest Mola Ram who performs the sacrifices directly, Lal manages the political deception required to keep the cult's activities hidden from British authorities and guests alike.

Did You Know?

• Chattar Lal is also a Thuggee worshipper who gets offended when Indiana Jones questions the palace's history.
• The character was portrayed by actor Roshan Seth in his role as the Prime Minister of the Maharaja of Pankot.
• Lal is enchanted by the arrival of Indy, Willie, and Short Round before turning against them upon Indy's questioning.
• He is part of the group that brainwashed Maharaja Zalim Singh and abducted the children of Mayapore.