Bara Rani

Nikhil

Bara Rani is Nikhil's elder sister-in-law, and they share a respectful, affectionate family relationship.

Bimala

Bara Rani and Bimala are sisters-in-law, with a relationship marked by subtle rivalry and Bara Rani's disapproval of Bimala's choices.

Amulya

Amulya and Bara Rani share a warm, familial bond, with Bara Rani treating him like a younger relative.

Sister Rani

Bara Rani and Sister Rani are sisters-in-law, with a relationship of mutual respect and occasional tension over household matters.

Sandip Babu

Bara Rani is suspicious and antagonistic toward Sandip, seeing him as a disruptive and dangerous influence on the family.

Chota Rani

Bara Rani and Chota Rani are sisters-in-law, with a relationship of mild rivalry and shared domestic life.

Dewan

Bara Rani and Dewan have a professional relationship, with Dewan serving as a household manager and advisor.

Nikhil

Bara Rani is Nikhil's elder sister-in-law, and they share a respectful, affectionate family relationship.

Chota Rani

Bara Rani and Chota Rani are sisters-in-law, with a relationship of mild rivalry and shared domestic life.

Amulya

Amulya and Bara Rani share a warm, familial bond, with Bara Rani treating him like a younger relative.

Bimala

Bara Rani and Bimala are sisters-in-law, with a relationship marked by subtle rivalry and Bara Rani's disapproval of Bimala's choices.

Bimala

Bara Rani and Bimala are sisters-in-law, with a relationship marked by subtle rivalry and Bara Rani's disapproval of Bimala's choices.

I

Mentioned as part of the household, representing the traditional women's world Bimala came from.

Bimala's Story

Bimala's widowed sister-in-law, who is beautiful but resentful of Bimala's happiness.

I

Bimala's widowed sister-in-law, who is beautiful but scornful of Bimala's modern ways.

II

The grandmother who kept the household together and was fond of Bimala, though she disapproved of Nikhil's modern gifts.

Bimala's Story IV-V

Bimala's sister-in-law; seen eavesdropping near the window.

II

The senior queen who ordered Nanku's punishment, leading to a conflict with Nikhil.

VIII

Observes Bimala's behavior and comments on her going to the outer apartments.

X

Appears briefly, taking blame for the scene with the maid, but her subtle smile suggests she is aware of Bimala's secret.

Bimala’s Story

Sister-in-law; feigns enthusiasm for Swadeshi to please Nikhil, while privately using European goods, highlighting her manipulative nature.

XII

Pretends to embrace Swadeshi products to please Nikhil, but uses European goods in private; she warns Bimala about being Nikhil's 'dissipation.'

VIII

The Bara Rani represents the traditional domestic sphere, offering a contrasting voice to the political fervor, and her interactions with Bimala reveal generational and ideological divides.

Bimala's Story XIV

Mentioned as part of Bimala's dismissive thoughts about the household, contrasting with her current state of mind.

Bimala’s Story

Joins Bimala and Nikhil for a meal, expressing fear over threatening letters and discussing the safety of her money, which is kept in Nikhil's safe.

XV

Mentioned as the intended recipient of the stolen money; her past actions are contrasted with Bimala's current theft.

XVII

Briefly appears when Bimala attempts to leave her jewels with her, but declines the responsibility.

Nikhil's Story

Expresses anxiety over the treasury raid and urges Nikhil to go to Calcutta.

XIII

Expresses fear and anxiety over the raid, urging Nikhil to leave for Calcutta and showing concern for his safety.

Bimala's Story

Receives Bimala's obeisance and offers a blessing, showing a moment of reconciliation.

XVIII

Receives Bimala's unexpected obeisance and blessing request, showing a shift in their relationship.

Bimala’s Story

Bara Rani informs Bimala about the treasury raid and expresses concern about the safety of the house.

XXI

Bara Rani informs Bimala of the treasury raid and expresses concern about the safety of her money, planning to send it to Calcutta.

XXII

Sends for Bimala to hear a gramophone, but Bimala refuses.

Nikhil's Story

Prepares to leave with Nikhil, revealing her deep attachment and jealousy; she expresses the burdens of womanhood.

XV

Packing to leave with Nikhil, expressing her desire to die on the banks of the Ganges and her deep bond with Nikhil.

XVI

Tries to comfort Nikhil, makes excuses for Bimala's behavior, and attempts to smooth over the situation.

Bimala’s Story XXIII

She blames Bimala for Nikhil's departure and prays for his safety.

XXIII

Furiously blames Bimala for letting Nikhil go and prays in the temple as the night unfolds.

Endnotes

Mentioned in the note defining the terms 'Bara' (Senior) and 'Chota' (Junior) in joint families of rank.