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| Author | Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay |
|---|---|
| Original title | অর্থমনর্থম |
| Language | Bengali |
| Series | Byomkesh Bakshi |
| Genre | Detective, Crime, Mystery |
| Publisher | P.C. Sorkar and Sons |
Publication date | 1933 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Preceded by | Makorshar Rosh |
| Followed by | Chorabali |
Arthamanartham (Bengali: অর্থমনর্থম), translated as Wealth is Meaningless, is a 1933 Bengali detective novella by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay.[1] It is part of the famous Byomkesh Bakshi series and follows the adventures of the detective Byomkesh Bakshi, who, along with his friend and chronicler Ajit Bandyopadhyay, solves mysteries primarily in Kolkata. The story explores themes of crime, betrayal, and familial conflict.
Plot
editArthamanartham begins with the mysterious murder of Karali Charan Basu, a wealthy and influential figure in Kolkata. He is found dead under suspicious circumstances in his own house, leaving his family and the police baffled. Deputy Commissioner Bidhu Bhushan quickly enlists the help of the sharp and astute detective Byomkesh Bakshi to solve the case.
Byomkesh, along with his trusted friend and chronicler Ajit Bandyopadhyay, begins investigating the murder and the intricate family dynamics within Karali's household. Karali lived with his two nephews, Sukumaar and Phonibhushan, and his niece, Satyabati. Each of these family members had their own relationship with the deceased, and as Byomkesh starts digging deeper, secrets about the family’s internal conflicts start to unravel.
The family had been living under Karali’s strict authority, and tensions had been mounting, particularly due to a recent update in Karali's will that named Sukumaar as the main beneficiary. This caused dissatisfaction and jealousy within the household, which complicates the case.
Byomkesh carefully pieces together various clues, paying close attention to the motivations and actions of each family member. As he interviews the relatives and looks into their backgrounds, the detective starts suspecting that the crime may not be as straightforward as it initially appears. Several possible motives and suspects emerge, but Byomkesh's keen intellect helps him navigate through the lies and hidden truths.
The mystery slowly unfolds as Byomkesh uses his signature method of logical deduction to untangle the web of deceit, leading to a gripping conclusion where the truth about Karali’s murder is finally revealed.
Throughout the investigation, Arthamanartham explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the destructive power of wealth. It highlights how personal interests and strained family ties can lead to tragic consequences, all while maintaining the tension of a classic detective story.
Characters
edit- Byomkesh Bakshi: The astute detective and protagonist of the story. He is known for his sharp intellect and sense of justice.
- Ajit Bandyopadhyay: Byomkesh's close friend and chronicler of his cases. Ajit assists in the investigation while narrating the story.
- Karali Charan Basu: The wealthy victim whose murder triggers the investigation.
- Sukumaar: Karali's nephew, initially suspected due to his involvement in the will dispute.
- Phonibhushan: Another nephew of Karali, who is revealed to be the true mastermind behind the murder.
- Satyabati: Sukumaar’s sister, who plays a crucial role in providing vital information to Byomkesh.
- Bidhu Bhushan: The Deputy Commissioner of Police who requests Byomkesh’s help.
Themes
edit1. Greed and Betrayal: The story emphasizes how familial relationships are often strained due to greed, leading to betrayal and violence.
2. Justice and Revenge: Byomkesh’s investigation focuses on distinguishing between justice and personal vendettas. Phonibhushan’s act of murder stems from a deep desire for revenge, contrasting with Byomkesh’s pursuit of the truth.
3. Psychological Depth: The characters, particularly Phonibhushan, reflect complex psychological motives. His bitterness towards his physical condition and treatment by Karali drives him to murder.
Publication history
editArthamanartham was first published in 1933 by P.C. Sorkar and Sons. It has since been included in various collections of Byomkesh Bakshi stories, including the popular Byomkesh Samagra published by Ananda Publishers.[1] The story is available in print editions and e-books.[2][3][4]
Adaptations
editTelevision
editThe story was adapted as an episode titled Wasiyat (Episode 5) in the Byomkesh Bakshi (1993) television series, starring Rajit Kapur as Byomkesh Bakshi.[5] This series aired on Doordarshan and was directed by Basu Chatterjee. The adaptation was well-received for staying true to the original story while making it engaging for a television audience.
Film
editAlthough no specific film adaptation of Arthamanartham has been made, elements of the story have influenced subsequent Byomkesh film adaptations, particularly in terms of the intricate plotting and exploration of familial conflicts.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Bandyopadhyay, Sharadindu (2014). Byomkesh Samagra (in Bengali). Kolkata: Ananda Publishers. ISBN 978-8172157895.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ "Arthamanartham (Byomkesh Bakshi) on Amazon". Amazon. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Arthamanartham e-book". Amazon India. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Arthamanartham Byomkesh O Baroda". Flipkart. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Wasiyat (Byomkesh Bakshi) Episode 5". IMDb. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
External links
edit