The Home and the World

Sandip has an internal monologue about men’s support allowing women to gain their true freedom—by giving themselves to men. He knows he has requested a tremendous task from Bimala. He almost regrets it. Money, as he sees it, belongs to men. It is not right that he should need a woman to gain control over another man’s money, but he justifies his behavior by thinking that he should not be in poverty; it is unfair that Nikhil has money and he does not.

A message arrives. The police may have a clue about who sunk Mirjan’s boat. Sandip knows that now they will have to bribe both police officers and Mirjan. His only solace is his passion for Bimala.

Sandip and Nikhil argue. The Muslims—known archaically as the Mussalmans—must unite with their cause if India is to be united. Sandip sees it as more important to keep the Muslims in their place. He has a plan to make a goddess image that will represent India. It will give doubters a solid image around which they can rally. Nikhil disagrees, saying that it is a temporary solution that will not lead to a long-term success. He says that truth is enough, and they need not muddy the waters with supernatural imagery. Sandip tells him that he is naïve.

Sandip tells Bimala that he believes she should be the image of the goddess, and that he had never believed in a united India until he saw her. She sobs with gratitude and says that everything she has is his. He says he needs 5000 rupees for the Cause. Bimala tells him she will get it by the next day.