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| Author | Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay |
|---|---|
| Original title | মণিমণ্ডন |
| Translator | Sreejata Guha (English) |
| Language | Bengali |
| Series | Byomkesh Bakshi |
| Genre | Detective, Crime, Mystery, Thriller |
Publication date | 1958 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Preceded by | Rokter Daag (1956) |
| Followed by | Amriter Mrityu (1959) |
Manimandan (Bengali: মণিমণ্ডন, meaning Jewel Adornment or Jewel Setting ) is a 1958 Bengali detective thriller by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay.[1] This gripping installment in the famous Byomkesh Bakshi series pits the brilliant detective against a cunning adversary in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Plot
editIn the opulent mansion of Rasmoy Sarkar, one of Kolkata's most prominent jewelers, a crime of audacious proportions unfolds. A Jarwar necklace, valued at an astounding 57,000 rupees, vanishes without a trace, leaving the city's elite in shock and the police force baffled.
The story begins with a telephone call to Byomkesh Bakshi, summoning the detective to the scene of the crime. Byomkesh and his chronicler, Ajit, arrive at Sarkar's residence, a multi-story building that houses both the family's living quarters and Sarkar's jewelry business. The detective immediately begins his investigation, meticulously examining every detail of the household and its occupants.
As Byomkesh delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of relationships and potential motives. Rasmoy Sarkar, despite his wealth, is revealed to be partially incapacitated by rheumatism, adding an element of vulnerability to the powerful businessman. His son, Manimoy, emerges as a figure of interest - a young man who frequents the local club and returns home at odd hours.
The household staff, particularly the servant Bhola, come under scrutiny. Bhola's seemingly innocent actions on the night of the theft raise suspicions, as does his connection to his brother Bhootnath, an employee of the postal service.
Byomkesh's investigation takes unexpected turns as he uncovers hidden tensions within the Sarkar family. The detective's keen observations lead him to question the significance of seemingly mundane objects and routines - a postbox, a late-night walk, a simple errand to buy a towel.
As the story unfolds, Byomkesh employs his trademark method of quiet observation and logical deduction. He meticulously pieces together a timeline of events, cross-examining suspects and uncovering inconsistencies in their statements. The detective's unconventional approach often leaves both the Sarkar family and the local police inspector, Amreshbabu, perplexed.
The tension mounts as Byomkesh races against time to recover the necklace and unmask the thief. The story culminates in a thrilling pre-dawn stakeout, where Byomkesh's carefully laid trap is set to spring, promising a resolution that will reveal the true brilliance of his deductive skills.
Throughout the narrative, Bandyopadhyay masterfully weaves themes of trust, opportunity, and the deceptive nature of appearances, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Manimandan stands as a testament to Byomkesh's unparalleled ability to see through the facades of polite society and uncover the truth hidden in plain sight.
Characters
edit- Byomkesh Bakshi – The brilliant detective, known for his unconventional methods
- Ajit Bandyopadhyay – Byomkesh's loyal friend and chronicler
- Rasmoy Sarkar – The wealthy jeweler and victim of the audacious theft
- Manimoy – Rasmoy's son, whose motives remain unclear
- Bhola – Rasmoy's seemingly devoted servant
- Bhootnath – Bhola's brother, whose connection to the post office adds another layer of intrigue
Themes
editManimandan is a masterclass in suspense, exploring the dark undercurrents that run beneath the surface of polite society. Bandyopadhyay weaves a tale that challenges readers to question appearances and consider the lengths to which people will go when tempted by wealth and opportunity.
Publication history
editManimandan was first published in 1958.[2] It has since been included in various collections of Byomkesh Bakshi stories, including The Menagerie and Other Byomkesh Bakshi Mysteries published by Penguin Books India.[citation needed]
Translations
editThe story has been translated into English by Sreejata Guha and included in the collection The Menagerie and Other Byomkesh Bakshi Mysteries.[citation needed]
Adaptations
editTelevision
editManimandan was adapted as an episode titled Necklace in the Byomkesh Bakshi (1993–1997) television series, starring Rajit Kapur as Byomkesh Bakshi. It aired on Doordarshan as episode 5 of season 2 in 1997.[citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "The Menagerie and Other Byomkesh Bakshi Mysteries". Classic Mystery Hunt. 21 April 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "Stories". Byomkesh.com. 25 December 2009. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
External links
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