New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
Quicksand
A Vacation Turns Into a Deadly Game
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Chorabali (চোরাবালি)
Originally in Bengali1933
3 chapters57 pages1h 2min read
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About This Book
Byomkesh and Ajit journey to a friend's rural estate, seeking nothing more than restful days and lively conversation. But whispers of family secrets and the shadowy, treacherous quicksand bordering the jungle hint at danger lurking beneath the surface. What starts as a simple holiday soon draws the detective duo into a web of mystery they can’t resist unraveling.
Chapters
Characters
View all 10 charactersAbout 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
Kali— A Hindu goddess, worshipped by Kaligati and referenced in the tutor's spiritual practices.
Benares— A city in India (now Varanasi), mentioned as the destination where Radha is sent.
Chorabali— The name of Himangshu's estate, meaning 'quicksand' in Bengali, named after a dangerous sandy patch on the property.
Registry Office— A government office where property deeds and legal documents are registered.
B.Sc.— Bachelor of Science, an academic degree mentioned as Harinath's qualification.
Calcutta— A major city in India (now Kolkata), the home city of Byomkesh and Ajit.
Vocabulary
babu— A respectful term of address for a gentleman, often used in Bengal.
almanac— A calendar or annual publication containing important dates and astronomical information, used here to determine lunar phases.
kurta— A loose, collarless shirt worn in South Asia.
sadhu— A holy man or ascetic in Hindu tradition.
asana— A posture or seat, especially in the context of meditation or yoga.
bearer— A personal attendant or servant, especially one who serves food or performs household duties.
