The Home and the World Setting & Symbolism

The Home and the World Objects/Places

India

India is the main setting of The Home and the World. This is the country where the characters live, as well as the country for which Swadeshi is fighting.

Bengal

Bengal is the territory where Nikhil lives as a rich landowner with Bimala as his wife. This is where the majority of the action occurs with few variances.

Calcutta

Calcutta is the Indian city where Nikhil attends college during the early part of his marriage. At the end of the novel, he intends to move to Calcutta with Bimala and the Bara Rani.

Swadeshi

Swadeshi is the Nationalist movement in India during the early twentieth century. Its main object is the encouragement of indigenous industries. Bimala becomes intimately involved with the Swadeshi movement after meeting Sandip.

Bande Mataram

Bande Mataram, meaning "Hail Mother," is the national song of the Swadeshi movement.

Rajah's House

The Rajah's house in Bengal serves as the main...
(read more)