*Rajmohan’s Wife* by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, widely regarded as the first Bengali novel, presents a rich narrative that explores various social, moral, and emotional themes. The novel's portrayal of transgression, particularly within the context of its characters’ actions, raises questions about the nature of boundaries—both personal and societal. Bankim’s understanding of transgression, however, is not solely concerned with rebellion against norms but is often tied to broader concepts of duty, morality, and social reform. In this light, it would be fair to say that *Rajmohan’s Wife* does indeed depict transgression, though this transgression is layered, complex, and tied to the ethical, religious, and familial fabric of 19th-century Bengali society.

At its core, the novel traces the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the central character, Rajmohan’s wife, who finds herself caught between the traditional ideals of womanhood and the forces of modernity and individual desire. The story involves several transgressive actions, particularly concerning the relationships between the key characters—Rajmohan, his wife, and the complex figure of the protagonist's friend, Mr. Hemchandra. 

The transgressions in *Rajmohan’s Wife* are not merely individual acts of rebellion but reflect the broader conflicts that were occurring within society at the time, between traditional Indian norms and the influences of Western education, colonialism, and new ideas of personal freedom. Bankim’s novel, while ostensibly a love story, critiques the social structures and norms that place limitations on personal desires and freedoms, especially for women. 

To understand how *Rajmohan’s Wife* represents transgression, it is essential to first consider Bankim’s understanding of the term. In the late 19th century, colonial India was witnessing significant intellectual movements, particularly the rise