# Bimala — The Home and the World character guide > Bimala in The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Bimala, VII, IX Bimala **First appearance:** 0001-bimala-s-story ## Snapshot A sheltered zamindar's wife whose awakening into nationalist fervor and forbidden admiration turns her quiet household into a battlefield of conscience. ## Who they are Bimala has spent nine years as Nikhil's devoted wife, her world bounded by the zenana until Sandip's arrival draws her into the Swadeshi movement and into a heady sense of her own power. She discovers a cruelty and hunger in herself she never suspected, thrilling to a cause that seems to demand her whole being. Her divided loyalty—between a husband who offers freedom and a leader who offers glory—becomes the novel's central fault line. ## Relationships ### [Sandip Babu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/sandip_babu) _romantic_ Bimala is drawn to Sandip's charismatic passion, experiencing romantic and emotional infatuation that conflicts with her marriage. ### [Bara Rani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/bara_rani) _family_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/amulya) _psychological_ Amulya is infatuated with Bimala, seeing her as a goddess-like figure, and his devotion is exploited by Sandip. ### [Sister Rani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/sister_rani) _family_ Bimala and Sister Rani are sisters-in-law, with Sister Rani being more traditional and critical of Bimala's modern aspirations. ### [Nikhil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/nikhil) _romantic_ Bimala and Nikhil are married, but their relationship is strained by Bimala's infatuation with Sandip and Nikhil's passive idealism. ### [Bara Rani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/bara_rani) _family_ Bara Rani and Bimala are sisters-in-law, with a relationship marked by subtle rivalry and Bara Rani's disapproval of Bimala's choices. ### [Sister Rani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/sister_rani) _family_ Bimala and Sister Rani are sisters-in-law, with Sister Rani being more traditional and critical of Bimala's modern aspirations. ### [Sandip Babu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/sandip_babu) _romantic_ Bimala is drawn to Sandip's charismatic passion, experiencing romantic and emotional infatuation that conflicts with her marriage. ### [Bara Rani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/bara_rani) _family_ Bara Rani and Bimala are sisters-in-law, with a relationship marked by subtle rivalry and Bara Rani's disapproval of Bimala's choices. ### [Sandip Babu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/sandip_babu) _romantic_ Bimala is drawn to Sandip's charismatic passion, experiencing romantic and emotional infatuation that conflicts with her marriage. ### [Nikhil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/nikhil) _romantic_ Bimala and Nikhil are married, but their relationship is strained by Bimala's infatuation with Sandip and Nikhil's passive idealism. ### [Sister Rani](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/sister_rani) _family_ Bimala and Sister Rani are sisters-in-law, with Sister Rani being more traditional and critical of Bimala's modern aspirations. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/i) The narrator, reflecting on her past and her marriage to Nikhil. ### [Bimala's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Narrates her early life, marriage, and feelings of devotion and inadequacy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/i) Narrator reflecting on her marriage, her devotion to her husband, and her feelings of inadequacy and envy. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/ii) Reflects on her life in the zenana, her attachment to the ancestral home, and her resistance to moving to Calcutta. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iii) Becomes swept up in the Swadeshi movement, wanting to burn foreign clothes and expel Miss Gilby, feeling ashamed of her husband's actions. ### [Bimala's Story IV-V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Narrator; deeply affected by Sandip's speech, feels a new pride and joy, and becomes more assertive in her nationalist views. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iv) Thrilled by Sandip's speech, feels a personal connection, invites him to dinner, and is captivated by his boldness. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/v) Bimala is torn between her admiration for Sandip's passionate nationalism and her husband's ethical stance. She feels ashamed of her quick dinner and is conflicted about her role as 'Shakti'. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Shows visible distress when Nikhil suggests Sandip's departure; her admiration for Sandip and her desire for excitement are evident. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as Nikhil's wife, who is angry with him for not joining the Swadeshi movement and who agrees with Sandip's criticism of Nikhil's lack of imagination. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/ii) Shows bashful pride when Sandip calls her the 'Queen Bee'; refuses the trip to the Hills. ### [Bimala's Story VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Bimala reflects on her loss of shame and her transformation into a central figure in the Swadeshi movement, feeling a new sense of power and beauty. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/vi) Becomes the central figure of the movement, feeling empowered and losing her former self. ### [Sandip's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/sandip-s-story) Referred to as 'Bee'; she is caught between her husband and Sandip, showing signs of awakening passion and defiance. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/ii) Referred to as 'Bee', she is the object of Sandip's attention, engaging in debates and showing signs of attraction. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iii) Present during the debate, remains silent, and later shows signs of being shaken by Sandip's ideas. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iv) Central character experiencing internal conflict and self-realization. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Bimala is the object of Nikhil's thoughts, though she is absent from the scene. Her actions and potential rejection drive Nikhil's internal conflict. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iii) Bimala is the subject of Nikhil's thoughts; he considers her as a separate person, not merely his wife, and contemplates her possible affection for Sandip. ### [Bimala's Story VII-VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Narrates her internal conflict, torn between her infatuation with Sandip and her guilt towards Nikhil. She secretly keeps Sandip's photograph and struggles with her desires. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/vii) Narrates her inner turmoil, torn between devotion to the cause and her infatuation with Sandip. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/viii) Struggles with her resolve to stay away from Sandip, feeling restless and drawn to him. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/ix) Visits Sandip, feels conflicted between her attraction to his passion and her domestic duties. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/x) Struggles with her secret attachment to Sandip's photograph, feeling both shame and fascination. Recalls her husband's words about her idealizing him, and questions her own path. ### [Sandip's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/sandip-s-story) Described as struggling like a snared deer, with piteous alarm in her eyes; Sandip sees her as a potential embodiment of Kali. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as part of the unfolding story around her and Nikhil, though not directly present in this chapter. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/v) Bimala is the object of Sandip's desire. He observes her struggling like a snared deer and notes her fearful ecstasy as she anticipates a crisis. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/vi) Sandip's object of desire; he plans to make her one with his country and envisions her as a goddess of destruction. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Bimala is present in Nikhil's thoughts and briefly appears in the bedroom. She is described as full of life but distant, and Nikhil feels she has never truly entered his life. She dismisses his proposal to work for the country's poor. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/iv) Present in the bedroom scene, but distant; her actions and the objects in the room symbolize the rift. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/v) Dismisses Nikhil's proposal with a smile, revealing her aristocratic detachment from the lower classes. Nikhil feels she has not truly entered his life. ### [Bimala’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Narrator; increasingly enamored with Sandip's ideology, seeing herself as Shakti and feeling empowered to challenge her husband's principles. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xi) Describes the national awakening as supernatural and feels personally called to the unknown, identifying with the nation as a woman rushing into darkness. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xii) Narrates the chapter, expressing disdain for Nikhil's simple Swadeshi habits and confronting the Bara Rani's hypocrisy. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xiii) Resolves to enforce the boycott, feeling empowered as Shakti, but is conflicted by memories of her husband. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/vi) Narrates the chapter, expressing indignation at the community's demand on Panchu and reflecting on the events. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Sends for Nikhil and asks him to ban foreign goods in the market, leading to a rift between them. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/ix) Bimala, dressed up, attempts to persuade Nikhil to ban foreign goods, revealing her alignment with the Swadeshi movement and her use of personal charm to achieve political ends. ### [Sandip's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/sandip-s-story) Emotionally distraught after failing to persuade Nikhil; later agrees to obtain money from Nikhil's treasury under Sandip's influence. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/vii) She is emotionally conflicted after failing to persuade Nikhil, and is manipulated by Sandip into agreeing to procure money from the treasury. ### [Sandip's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/sandip-s-story) Bimala is portrayed as emotionally vulnerable and idealistic, willing to sacrifice herself for Sandip's cause. She agrees to bring five thousand rupees, showing her devotion and the extent of her manipulation. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/viii) Sandip considers her need for illusion and her longing for a great sacrifice, and he plans to keep her emotionally engaged. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/x) Bimala is deeply swayed by Sandip's words, falls at his feet, and agrees to give him five thousand rupees, showing her emotional and ideological entanglement. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/viii) Bimala is increasingly drawn into the Swadeshi movement, feeling a sense of purpose and excitement, yet she remains conflicted between her husband's calm rationality and Sandip's fiery passion. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Bimala is confronted by Nikhil, who tells her she is free from him. She remains silent during their conversation. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xi) Found in the garden at dusk, visibly distressed; she leaves without speaking when Nikhil approaches. ### [Bimala's Story XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Reflects on her loss of connection with Nikhil and her intoxication with power. Plans to steal money for Sandip, but is conflicted when faced with Amulya's violent suggestions. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xiv) Bimala is torn between her maternal compassion for Amulya and her desperate desire to fulfill Sandip's demand for money. She contemplates theft and even murder, revealing her moral decline. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/ix) Bimala is caught between her growing infatuation with Sandip and her loyalty to Nikhil, reflecting on her identity and the expectations of womanhood. ### [Bimala’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Consumed by guilt and a desperate need for Sandip's praise, she feels alienated from her husband and her own home. She gives her jewels to Amulya to raise more money for Sandip. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xv) Steals gold from her husband's safe, experiences intense guilt and shame, and confronts the consequences of her actions. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xvi) Bimala hands over the stolen money to Sandip, feeling both shame and a desperate need for his praise. She is torn between recognizing Sandip's manipulation and being deluded by it. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xvii) Takes decisive action by giving her jewels to Amulya to raise funds, defies Sandip's authority, and reflects on her moral decline. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/x) Bimala is at the center of the chapter, experiencing a profound internal conflict as she is swayed by Sandip's charismatic nationalism while questioning her own values and her relationship with Nikhil. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Present during Nikhil's confrontation with Sandip; later found dressing early, possibly involved in Bande Mataram activities. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xii) Present during Nikhil's confrontation with Sandip, though she does not speak. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xiii) Found locked in her dressing room, seemingly avoiding Nikhil, hinting at her inner turmoil. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xiv) Found weeping on the balcony at night, overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow. ### [Bimala's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Anxious and guilt-ridden, she seeks redemption and confronts Sandip, realizing her mistakes. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xviii) Tormented by guilt over sending Amulya to sell the jewels, she humbles herself before the Bara Rani and confronts Sandip, ultimately giving the jewels to Amulya. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xix) Troubled by Amulya's actions, she insists he return the stolen money and seeks to cleanse the stains of sin. ### [Bimala’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) Bimala confronts Sandip, realizes her mistake, and begins to free herself from his influence. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xx) She feels conflicted about Sandip's influence, but ultimately asserts her power over him, humiliating him and feeling liberated. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xxi) Bimala makes cakes for Amulya, secretly takes the safe key, and finds the safe empty. She struggles with guilt and fear of exposure. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xxii) Overwhelmed by guilt and fear, she hides servants' valuables, obsessively makes cakes, contemplates suicide, and finally receives her husband's blessing. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xii) Struggles with her emotions and the consequences of her actions. ### [Nikhil's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/nikhil-s-story) Implied to have stolen money; Nikhil suspects her actions are a result of his despotism. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xv) Waiting outside Nikhil's room, seeking to speak with him, showing a change from her previous pride. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xvi) Admits to taking the money, shows deep remorse, and seeks forgiveness from Nikhil. ### [Bimala’s Story XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/bimala-s-story) She feels purified by fire, prepares to leave, and is devastated by Nikhil's departure and the news of his injury. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/xxiii) Experiences a transformation, feeling she has passed through fire and is now dedicated to Nikhil. She is paralyzed by fear and guilt as Nikhil leaves, and later hears of his injury and Amulya's death. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced in the note explaining that she is the Chota or Junior Rani, the younger brother's wife. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters/bimala - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_home_and_the_world_se/characters