Here's a summary of the novella:
1. Introduction to the Characters:
- Prafulla is portrayed as the epitome of beauty, grace, and devotion. She is the pride of her parents, symbolizing the ideal Brahmin girl.
- Govind is an accomplished scholar, revered for his intelligence and knowledge. He seeks Prafulla's hand in marriage, convinced that she is his soulmate.
2. Love Blossoms:
- Prafulla and Govind's paths cross at a religious ceremony, where they fall instantly in love. Their hearts yearn for each other, but they must conceal their feelings due to the strict social hierarchy.
3. Societal Pressures:
- Prafulla's family, guided by societal norms, believes she should marry a wealthier and higher-status groom. They arrange her marriage with Ramlochan, a rich but ill-mannered zamindar.
- Govind's family, despite his brilliance, faces financial hardships and cannot offer a dowry to match Prafulla's status.
4. Fateful Meeting:
- Prafulla encounters Govind after her wedding to Ramlochan, leading to a heartbreaking confession of their true feelings. They realize their love is forbidden, as both are now bound to their respective marriages.
5. Tragic Consequences:
- Unable to bear the agony of unrequited love, Govind falls severely ill. Prafulla, torn between societal duty and her heart's desire, languishes in emotional turmoil.
- The news of Govind's deteriorating condition reaches Prafulla, triggering a crisis that leads to her breakdown. She refuses food and water, choosing death over a life without the man she truly loves.
6. Final Reunion:
- Before she succumbs, Prafulla pens a final letter expressing her unwavering devotion to Govind and her regret at society's cruelty that kept them apart.
- Govind's soul reunites with Prafulla's in the afterlife, symbolizing their eternal love transcending the limitations imposed by earthly existence.
7. Social Criticism:
- "Baugmaree" serves as a critique of societal expectations and arranged marriages, highlighting their detrimental effects on individual happiness and fulfilment.
- Toru Dutt uses her story to question and challenge the rigid social structures that hinder true love and personal growth.
In essence, "Baugmaree" is a poignant meditation on the tragic outcomes that arise from societal expectations when love remains unfulfilled. Toru Dutt's novella portrays the intensity of romantic passion, the agony of unrequited love, and the transformative power of emotions in the face of oppressive social practices.