New← The Complete Adventures of Byomkesh Bakshi
The Venom of the Tarantula
A Master Sleuth Faces a Lethal Puzzle
by Sharadindu BandyopadhyayDetective FictionMystery
Makorshar Rosh (মকরশার রস)
Originally in Bengali1933
26 pages28 min read
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About This Book
Byomkesh Bakshi, India’s sharpest detective, is drawn from his study into the heart of a mystery as tangled and dangerous as the venomous tarantula itself. As a perplexing forgery case consumes his mind, a single walk by the lake threatens to unravel far more than he expects. Dive into this gripping tale where every clue could turn deadly, and no one is above suspicion.
Characters
View all 8 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— A major city in India, now known as Kolkata, serving as the primary setting for the story.
Circular Road— A notable road in Calcutta, indicating the location of Nandadulalbabu's house.
Emile Zola— A famous French writer, referenced here to emphasize the shocking nature of Nandadulalbabu's writing.
Parker— A well-known brand of fountain pens, used by Nandadulalbabu for writing and underlining.
South America— A continent mentioned as the region where the use of tarantula extract is prevalent among certain tribes.
Spain— A European country referenced in relation to the 'tarantula dance' and the effects of the spider's venom.
Vocabulary
almirah— A freestanding cupboard or wardrobe, commonly used in Indian households.
babu— A respectful or familiar suffix in Bengali and Hindi, used here as part of names like 'Byomkeshbabu' and 'Nandadulalbabu'.
cheroot— A type of cigar, typically open at both ends, popular in India and Southeast Asia.
