New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
The Gramophone Pin Mystery
A Curious Clue and a City Awakes
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Pother Kanta (পথের কাঁটা)
Originally in Bengali1932
3 chapters60 pages1h 6min read
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About This Book
When a cryptic newspaper advertisement piques Byomkesh Bakshi’s sharp curiosity, a seemingly ordinary morning transforms into the start of an unforgettable investigation. Against the vibrant backdrop of a bustling city, secrets begin to unspool from the simplest details. Can a bizarre clue hidden in plain sight lead to a mystery only Byomkesh can solve?
Chapters
Characters
View all 11 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
Calcutta— The capital city of West Bengal, India, now known as Kolkata.
Jorasanko— A neighborhood in Calcutta, known for its cultural and historical significance.
Kidderpore— A neighborhood in Calcutta, known for its docks and the racecourse.
Whiteway Laidlaw— A famous British-era department store in Calcutta, often referenced as a landmark.
Amherst Street— A street in Calcutta, intersecting with Harrison Road.
Arjun— A legendary archer from the Mahabharata, referenced for his unparalleled skill.
Vocabulary
babu— A term of respect for a man, especially in Bengal.
kurta— A loose, collarless shirt worn in South Asia.
paan— A preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut and sometimes tobacco, chewed for its stimulant effects.
adda— An informal gathering or conversation, usually among friends, often involving intellectual discussion.
cheroot— A type of cigar with both ends clipped during manufacture, commonly smoked in India.
dhoti— A traditional men's garment, a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs.
