New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
The Rhythm of Riddles
Secrets Unfold in a Winter-Cold Calcutta
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Henyalir Chhondo (হেঁয়ালির ছন্দ)
Originally in Bengali1964
35 pages38 min read
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About This Book
When Byomkesh leaves for Cuttack, his companion faces restless days in a quiet Calcutta household—until an unexpected knock at the door introduces a mysterious new tenant. As unease settles in with the winter chill, a web of intrigue begins to spin in the shadows of the old building. What secrets will emerge, and can curiosity resist the lure of a riddle waiting to be solved?
Characters
View all 12 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
American army pistol— A type of firearm mentioned as the murder weapon, available on the black market.
Calcutta— Now known as Kolkata, a major city in West Bengal, India, and the primary setting of the story.
Commissioner— Refers to the police commissioner, the senior-most police official in the city.
Cuttack— A city in Odisha, India, where Byomkesh and Ajit travel for official work.
Dhaka— The capital of Bangladesh, referenced as the former home of several characters before the Partition.
Godfrey-Brown— A large British firm with offices in Dhaka and Calcutta, where Ram-babu and Banamali-babu formerly worked.
Vocabulary
addicted to bridge— Refers to a strong fondness for the card game bridge, which is culturally popular among some Indian communities.
anna— A former Indian currency unit, equal to 1/16 of a rupee, used before decimalization.
babu— A respectful suffix or form of address for men in Bengali and other Indian languages, similar to 'Mr.'
churidar— A type of close-fitting trousers worn in South Asia, often paired with a kurta or jacket.
dhoti— A traditional Indian garment for men, consisting of a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs.
godown— A warehouse or storage facility, a term commonly used in India and Southeast Asia.
