The novel begins where Hori is rush to visit the Zamindar. He is called by the Zamindar to convey an information to the farmer from another village. He is informed by Zamindar that all the villagers have to contribute five hundred rupees to him so that a program in the near future can be organised. When the Zamindar conveys his message to him, he is in great furry. He is extremely in a fearful state. He is unable to understand as to how the money on his order will be managed to be contributed to the zamindar. Hori informs his family members about the order of the zamindar. At this, Gobar and Dhandia revolt openly but Hori keeps them calm and make them understand by saying “one cannot fight with the crocodile while living in a water”.
Bhola, a widower has a desire to remarry again. Bhola is a kind hearted and a noble person. He is a member of a lower caste and he is 50 years old. He deals in a milk and a cow. His two sons are already married and he has a young widow daughter Jhunia at home. Hori has a great desire to have a cow at home. At this point of time, Hori develops a plan in his mind, as he has no money, he decided to trick Bhola saying he will help him get married again and gets a cow without paying instant money.
Hori and Gobar go to Bhola’s house to bring a cow. Gobar meets Jhunia at Bhola’s house. When the cow is brought to Hori’s house, it become a matter of envy for the neighbourhood. A fight takes place between Hori and Hori’s brother due to an enmity. The cow is poisoned by Heera. The police comes to arrest Heera but Hori manages to save him thus Hori’s desire of having a cow remains unfulfilled.
Gobar has a love affair with Jhunia and Dhania comes to know about his affair. The couple Hori and Dhania discuss it and they do not approve it. Gobar does not follow the instruction of his parents and brongs Jhunia at his house. Gobar run away to Lucknow with the reason that he would return after making some money. Thus, for a humanity they accept Jhunia as their daughter in law who is pregnant. The act of humanity brings a great trouble for Hori, the village community imposes a fine of rupees one hundred on Hori.
Hori faces all sorts of a problem. He has no money and a capital. On the other hand, Gobar has fled to Lucknow while his wife is living with Hori and Dhania. Bhola also forces Hori to give the cow. One day , Bhola comes to Hori’s house to take away Hori’s two bullocks in exchange of the cow. At this point, Hori is surrounded by all sorts of problems. Bhola is the victim of Dattadin’s conspiracy and he is playing in the hands of Dattadin.
After someday Hori sadly demise. After his death, Dhania is asked by the priest to Don”Godaan” charity of the cow for the peace of his soul. Because of the financial crisis, she is unable to afford a cow. So , instead of a cow she gives rupees 1.25 to the priest as everything for the ceremony of her husband’s death.
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