| Author | Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay |
|---|---|
| Original title | অদৃশ্য ত্রিকোণ |
| Translator | Rajat Chaudhuri (English) |
| Language | Bengali |
| Series | Byomkesh Bakshi |
| Genre | Detective, Crime, Mystery |
| Publisher | P.C. Sorkar and Sons |
Publication date | 1961 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Preceded by | Kohen Kobi Kalidas |
| Followed by | Khuji Khuji Nari |
Adrishyo Trikon (Bengali: অদৃশ্য ত্রিকোণ, English: The Invisible Triangle) is a Bengali detective novella written by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay in 1961, featuring the fictional detective Byomkesh Bakshi. It is the 30th story in the Byomkesh Bakshi series.[1]
Plot summary
According to literary critic Sunil Kumar Chattopadhyay, "Adrishyo Trikon" presents a complex mystery centered around the Sarkar family.[1] The story begins with detective Byomkesh Bakshi and his friend Ajit being approached by Police Inspector Ramanimohan Sanyal regarding an unsolved murder case.[2]
The victim, Reba Sarkar, was the daughter-in-law of a wealthy businessman named Shivprasad Sarkar. Upon Shivprasad's death, his entire estate was unexpectedly left to Reba instead of his son, Sunil Sarkar.[3] This inheritance decision creates tension within the family, as Sunil, known for his irresponsible lifestyle, resents Reba's newfound control over the family fortune.[4]
Chattopadhyay notes that the plot thickens when it's revealed that Reba had been noticing a suspicious figure lurking around their home prior to her death.[1] Despite her growing concerns for her safety, Sunil was reluctant to involve the authorities.[2]
As Byomkesh investigates, he uncovers a complex web of deceit and hidden motives within the Sarkar household.[3] The detective must navigate family dynamics, financial motivations, and psychological manipulation to solve the case.[1]
Literary scholar Pinaki Roy points out that the title "Adrishyo Trikon" (The Invisible Triangle) refers to the intricate relationships and unseen connections that Byomkesh must decipher to reach the truth.[3] The solution to the mystery remains elusive until the end, with Byomkesh employing his understanding of human behavior to devise a strategy that exposes the culprit.[4]
Literary significance and reception
"Adrishyo Trikon" is considered a significant work in Bengali detective fiction, demonstrating Bandyopadhyay's skill in crafting complex mysteries. Literary critic Sunil Kumar Chattopadhyay notes that the novella showcases a more psychological approach to crime-solving, focusing on character motivations and social dynamics rather than action-packed sequences.[1] This departure from conventional detective story pacing has been both praised and criticized by readers and critics.[4]
In his analysis of Bengali detective fiction, scholar Pinaki Roy positions "Adrishyo Trikon" as a pivotal work in Bandyopadhyay's oeuvre, highlighting its exploration of social issues within the framework of a mystery plot.[3] Roy argues that the novella's treatment of family dynamics and inheritance issues reflects broader societal concerns of mid-20th century Bengal.
Themes and analysis
Literary scholars have identified several key themes in "Adrishyo Trikon":
1. **Psychological manipulation**: The story explores the complexities of human behavior and the ways in which characters attempt to manipulate one another.[1]
2. **Moral ambiguity**: The novella presents characters with complex moral motivations, challenging readers to question their assumptions about right and wrong.[4]
3. **Social commentary**: Through its portrayal of family conflicts and inheritance disputes, the story offers insight into the changing social dynamics of Bengali society in the mid-20th century.[3]
4. **Gender roles**: The character of Reba Sarkar has been analyzed as a representation of changing gender expectations in Indian society, with her control over the family fortune challenging traditional patriarchal norms.[5]
Adaptations and cultural impact
"Adrishyo Trikon" has been adapted for various media, including television and radio, contributing to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.[6] The story's television adaptation, which aired as part of the Doordarshan series in 1997, introduced the complex narrative to a wider audience and has been credited with renewing interest in Bandyopadhyay's work.[6]
Literary scholar Debjani Sengupta argues that the various adaptations of "Adrishyo Trikon" have played a crucial role in maintaining the relevance of Bengali detective fiction in contemporary Indian popular culture.[6] The story's themes and narrative structure have influenced subsequent works in the genre, cementing its place in the canon of Indian detective literature.[4]
See Also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Chattopadhyay, Sunil Kumar (2018). Great Detective Fiction. Prabhat Prakashan. pp. 87–89. ISBN 978-8184305548.
- ^ a b Bandyopadhyay, Sharadindu (2014). Byomkesh Samagra (in Bengali). Kolkata: Ananda Publishers. ISBN 978-8172157895.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ a b c d e Roy, Pinaki (2008). "The Manichean Investigators: A Postcolonial and Cultural Rereading of the Sherlock Holmes and Byomkesh Bakshi Stories". Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities. 2 (3): 301–317.
- ^ a b c d e Bhattacharya, Bhaswati (2020). "The Evolution of Bengali Detective Fiction: A Study of Selected Works". Sahitya: Journal of the Comparative Literature Association of India. 9: 45–60.
- ^ Mukherjee, Meenakshi (2012). Elusive Terrain: Culture and Literary Memory. Oxford University Press. pp. 123–125. ISBN 978-0198078623.
- ^ a b c Sengupta, Debjani (2015). The Fiction of Translation: Indian Popular Fiction in English Translation. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. pp. 78–80. ISBN 978-1443878746.
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