New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
Calamity Strikes
A Quiet Morning Unravels Dark Motives
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Agnibaan (অগ্নিবাণ)
Originally in Bengali1935
3 chapters47 pages51 min read
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About This Book
Byomkesh Bakshi’s uneventful morning is jolted by curious advertisements and cryptic notices, hinting at secrets lurking beneath the mundane. When suspicion stirs over innocuous classifieds, a tangled mystery begins to unfold—one only a sharp mind can unravel. Dive into a world where even the ordinary hides the seeds of intrigue.
Chapters
Characters
About the Author
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
1899–1970
Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay (1899–1970) was a celebrated Bengali author, best known for his enduring contribution to Indian detective fiction. Born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bandyopadhyay was educated at Vidyasagar College and later at Patna University. He initially worked as a teacher and a scriptwriter for the Bombay film industry, but his literary pursuits remained central throughout his life. His prolific career spanned several genres including historical fiction, short stories, and plays, but he achieved lasting fame for his creation of the detective Byomkesh Bakshi. Bandyopadhyay’s works reflect a deep engagement with the social and cultural life of early- to mid-20th-century Bengal.
Places and Terms in this Book
Delhi— The capital of India, where Debkumarbabu attends the All India Science Congress.
Calcutta— The capital city of West Bengal, India, and the main setting for the story.
Patna— A city in Bihar, India, where Debkumarbabu is scheduled to deliver a lecture.
All India Science Congress— A major scientific convention held in Delhi, attended by scientists from across India.
Bangla— Refers to the Bengali language; here, it describes the books in Rekha's room.
Brahma— A Hindu god, referenced in a metaphor about the dangers of human invention.
Vocabulary
babu— ‘Babu’ is a respectful suffix or title used in Bengali and other Indian languages to address men, often indicating respect or social status. It is commonly attached to names such as Birenbabu and Debkumarbabu.
rupees— The currency of India.
bangles— Traditional rigid bracelets, usually made from metal, glass, or plastic, worn by women in South Asia.
cheroot— A cylindrical cigar with both ends clipped during manufacture, commonly smoked in India.
dowry— Money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage, a traditional practice in India.
joint policy— An insurance policy that covers two people, typically spouses, with benefits paid upon the death of one.
