Draft:Bengali detective fiction

Detective fiction in Bengal has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 20th century. Bengali detective fiction emerged in the late 19th century, with roots in the broader context of colonial literature and the growing interest in crime and mystery narratives. One of the earliest appearances of the Bengali detective in serialized fiction was between 1910 and 1920, in the works of Panchkari Dey. Hemendra Kumar Roy was a noted contributor to the early development of this genre. The 1930s and 1940s marked the genre's golden age, with a proliferation of detective stories in magazines and newspapers. Authors began experimenting with complex plots and character development. Today, the genre continues to thrive, evolving with contemporary narratives while retaining its unique cultural essence.

Background

The development of detective fiction in the West traces its origins to the early 19th century, marked by a growing fascination with crime and investigation. Edgar Allan Poe is often credited with creating the modern detective story, particularly with his 1841 work "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," which introduced the character of C. Auguste Dupin. Poe’s narratives emphasized logical reasoning and analytical skills, setting a template for future writers.

The genre gained further prominence with the advent of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series, starting with "A Study in Scarlet" in 1887. Holmes, characterized by his astute observation and deductive reasoning, became an enduring archetype in detective literature. The popularity of these works led to a proliferation of detective stories in magazines and novels throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, paving the way for the genre's evolution into more complex and varied forms, including hard-boiled, cozy, and psychological mysteries. This flourishing of detective fiction laid the groundwork for similar explorations in other cultures, including the eventual emergence of Bengali detective fiction.

Early development

The foundations of Bengali detective fiction were laid by early writers who introduced the genre to a wider audience. Priyanath Mukhopadhyay, an ex-policeman, is often credited as the first writer of crime fiction in Bengali. He served in the detective department of the Calcutta police for 33 years and edited Darogar Daptar (The Inspector’s Files), the first periodical dedicated to crime stories in the Bengali language. His work set the stage for subsequent writers.

Following Mukhopadhyay, Panchkari De]] contributed to the genre by creating characters such as Debendra Bijoy Mitra and Arindam, presenting foreign detectives in Bengali settings and even allowing Sherlock Holmes to take on a Bengali persona.

Dinendra Kumar Ray expanded the genre further by translating Western detective stories and creating a popular, Euro-centric character named Robert Blake for Bengali readers. Roy gained recognition as a writer of vignettes focused on rural life before becoming the editor of a magazine that featured crime, the occult, and magic. This magazine was a commercial success, and after World War I, Roy established himself as a publisher. Each month, he serialized a crime novel titled Rahasyalahari, which translates to "Waves of Mystery." Over 200 novels were published under this title, though they lacked originality. Roy primarily translated the Sexton Blake series, often referred to as “the poor man’s Sherlock Holmes.” Unlike Dey, Ray did not attempt to conceal this fact and occasionally retained some of the original English dialogues. It’s likely that part of Rahasyalahari’s appeal stemmed from its foreign stories.

These early works have been critiqued as derivative and often with a primitive treatment of narrative. Despite their limitations, Mukhopadhyay and De’s contributions are recognized for giving birth to the genre.

Saralabala Dasi Sarkar (1875-1961), a journalist for Amrita Bazar Patrika, is recognized as one of the first female writers of detective fiction in India. Additionally, Rabindranath Tagore authored a short detective story.

1920s: Hemendra kumar Roy

Around the time when Dinendra Kumar Ray was actively translating crime fiction, the demand for indigenous Bengali detectives began to rise. Hemendra Kumar Roy emerged as a pivotal figure, creating a distinct crime-solving duo in Jayanta and his assistant Maniklal. Initially associated with the Tagore family, Hemendra Kumar contributed to children’s literature through his involvement with the magazine Nachghar, which he helped establish in 1925. His stories, while inspired by Western authors like Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, were distinctly local, featuring Jayanta and Maniklal as well-built young men in traditional attire, reflecting contemporary themes and a strong sense of Bengali identity. One notable story, “Kancher Coffin,” blends science fiction with crime, showcasing Jayanta's investigation into the mysterious disappearances of elderly individuals transformed by a scientist's cryogenic experiments. The Jayanta-Manik series, which created a sensation across Bengal, resonated with readers of all ages, establishing the archetype of the brahmachari detective—a hallmark of Bengali crime fiction.

1930s: Byomkesh and beginning of the golden age

Hemendra Kumar Roy remained focused on children's literature, resulting in a notable gap in adult crime fiction until the emergence of Byomkesh. Byomkesh Bakshi, a character crafted by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay in the 1930s, is one of the most enduring figures in Bengali detective fiction and arguably the first Bengali super sleuth. Unlike traditional detectives, Byomkesh eschews the title of "detective," preferring to identify himself as a satyanweshi, or "truth seeker." This distinction underscores his philosophical approach to crime-solving, where uncovering the truth is more than just a profession; it’s a moral pursuit.

Byomkesh is depicted as a middle-class Hindu Bengali, reflecting the sensibilities and social issues of his time. He starts his journey as a bachelor, living with his close friend Ajit, who serves as his chronicler. Their relationship is marked by camaraderie and mutual respect, setting it apart from the patronizing dynamics often seen in Western detective fiction, such as that between Holmes and Watson. Ajit, while not as astute as Byomkesh, is a supportive companion, and even after Byomkesh marries Satyavati, Ajit continues to be a part of his life, living in the same flat.

Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay crafted Byomkesh's background thoughtfully; he is the son of a mathematics teacher, inheriting a keen analytical mind. This educational grounding allows him to solve mysteries with a logical and systematic approach. Throughout the series, Byomkesh evolves, facing not only external challenges but also internal dilemmas. His character matures alongside the stories, reflecting changing societal norms and personal responsibilities.

The narratives often tackle pressing social issues, making them relevant beyond mere entertainment. In many of his cases, Byomkesh displays a complex moral compass, sometimes allowing criminals to evade justice if he perceives them as victims of circumstance. This ethical ambiguity adds depth to his character and prompts readers to contemplate justice's multifaceted nature. Speaking about Byomkesh in an interview, Sharadindu said,

I had always tried to place the Byomkesh stories at a certain intellectual level.You can treat them as social fiction. In every man’s life, certain problems crop up from time. Byomkesh tries to solve such problems. I have never ignored the reality while writing those stories.

Among the notable stories in the Byomkesh series are “Pather Kanta” (The Thorn in One’s Path), where he investigates a murder with a gramophone pin as the weapon, and “Agnibaan” (The Arrow of Fire), which involves a scientist, a mysterious poison, and family dynamics. Bandopadhyay’s writing is marked by clever plots and vivid characterizations, contributing to Byomkesh's appeal.

Despite Bandopadhyay's initial surprise at Byomkesh's popularity, the character became a significant part of Bengali literature, transcending the genre of detective fiction. However, much like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with Sherlock Holmes, Bandopadhyay faced pressure from readers to revive Byomkesh after a lengthy hiatus, during which he focused on other writing endeavors, including screenwriting in Bombay.

Post-Byomkesh: Kiriti, Parashar and others

While Byomkesh was on hiatus, at least two detectives attempted to fill the void he left in Bengali literature. Nihar Ranjan Gupta, a practicing physician, introduced Bengal's most fashionable detective, Kiriti Ray. As a popular fiction writer, Gupta penned several melodramatic novels, some of which, like Ulka, Mayamriga, and Uttarphalguni, were adapted into successful films and plays. Kiriti Ray, initially created for children's fiction as a counterpart to Jayanta, quickly graduated to an adult audience. Although he had a few notable cases characterized by keen observations and deductions, overall, Kiriti was more style than substance, leading to his gradual decline in popularity.

Another serious contender was Parashar Barma, the poet-detective conceived by Premendra Mitra, a prominent figure in post-Tagore Bengali literature. Mitra was not only an outstanding poet and fiction writer but also a film scriptwriter and director. He created enduring characters like Ghanada and Mamababu for children and was a pioneer of Bengali science fiction. However, Parashar Barma struggled to gain traction amid Mitra's diverse creations. Parashar, a poet by profession, set himself apart from the more analytical detectives inspired by Sherlock Holmes. He relied on creativity, imagination, and humor in solving mysteries, often with the help of his sidekick Krittibas, who narrated their adventures.

Despite the emergence of these detectives, Byomkesh Bakshi's popularity overshadowed them, and while the first Parashar stories appeared around the same time as Byomkesh, they struggled to find an audience. Byomkesh's immediate success starkly contrasted with Parashar's slower acceptance, with the first collection of Parashar stories published three decades later, now long out of print.

Interestingly, despite the popularity of Bengali detectives, it wasn't until Satyajit Ray adapted Byomkesh for film in the late 1960s that any of them made it to the silver-screen, a project that neither Ray nor the audience particularly enjoyed. In the 1940s and 1950s, Mitra ventured into film, producing mystery-themed works like Kalo Chhaya (Dark Shadows, 1948), Hanabari (The Haunted House, 1952), and Chupichupi Aasey (Quietly, He Comes, 1960), though none were particularly convincing, with Hanabari emerging as a significant hit. The 1950s also saw Ajay Kar's Jighangsa, which was a direct adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

The pulp genre produced its share of beloved detectives, such as Dipak Chatterjee, created by Swapankumar, a pseudonym for astrologer Samarendranath Pande. His stories, typically under 50 pages, lacked in-depth analysis but were filled with action and absurdity, capturing the imaginations of young readers for over three decades. Similarly, the Mohan series by Sasahdhar Dutta featured a larger-than-life Robin Hood-style character, leading to a film adaptation in the mid-1950s starring matinee idol Pradeep Kumar.

The 1960s brought significant changes to Bengali detective fiction, including Hemendra Kumar's passing, marking the end of Jayanta's journey. Byomkesh relocated from North Calcutta to the south neighborhood of Keyatala, opting for retirement.

Feluda

Feluda, the brainchild of Satyajit Ray, has cemented his place as a beloved figure in Bengali detective fiction. Pradosh C. Mitter, known as da, distinguishes himself from other fictional detectives through his exceptional combination of intellectual acumen and physical skill. While earlier detectives often relied on brute force, Feluda integrates keen reasoning with a sharpshooter's precision, making him a unique character in the genre.

Ray crafts Feluda as a multi-dimensional character, characterized by his impressive height, fitness regimen, and a rich personality that resonates with readers across generations. His sharp wit and banter, especially with cousin Topshe and friend Lalmohan Babu (also known as Jatayu), infuse humor into the narratives, providing levity amid the unfolding mysteries.

Unlike traditional adventure tales, Feluda's stories present intricate puzzles that engage both the detective and the reader. Each adventure transports the audience to diverse settings, enhanced by Ray’s vivid descriptions and astute observations of human nature and culture. This interplay of location and characterization elevates Feluda's stories, making them a blend of crime fiction and cultural exploration.

Feluda's influence transcends literature, with Ray himself adapting two of his stories into feature films. The detective's widespread appeal is reflected in numerous translations, allowing international audiences to appreciate the wit and charm that define his character. For fans of detective fiction, experiencing Feluda's adventures is indispensable, encapsulating the richness of Bengali storytelling through a unique blend of intellect, humor, and cultural nuance.

After the era of Feluda, Bengali detective fiction experienced a noticeable stagnation, with few contemporary characters reaching the same level of popularity.

Contemporary works

Contemporary Bengali detective fiction has seen a diverse range of characters that build upon the legacy of iconic figures like Feluda and Byomkesh. While these traditional detectives set high standards for storytelling, newer characters such as Mitin Mashi and Ekenbabu reflect evolving themes and modern sensibilities within the genre.

Kakababu

Kakababu, or Raja Roy Chowdhury, is a fictional Bengali detective created by author Sunil Gangopadhyay. First appearing in the novel Bhoyonkor Sundor (1971), Kakababu is a retired director of the Archaeological Survey of India who, despite his physical disability, solves complex cases worldwide. Known for his intelligence, courage, and deep knowledge of history, he often finds himself in adventures involving political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and exotic locales. Alongside his nephew Santu, Kakababu's character explores themes of patriotism, bravery, and curiosity. The character has been adapted into multiple films and television series

Mitin Mashi

Mitin Mashi, or Pragya Paramita Mukhopadhyay, is a contemporary detective created by author Suchitra Bhattacharya. Initially a homemaker, she possesses significant detecting skills. Her adventures often explore Kolkata's Chinese and Parsi communities, reflecting a modern feminist perspective.

Arjun

Arjun is a young detective created by author Samaresh Majumdar, set in North Bengal. This backdrop provides a unique charm to his stories. The first Bengali film based on Arjun, Kalimpong E Sitaharan, was released recently.

Colonel Niladri Sarkar

Colonel Niladri Sarkar is a detective conceived by author Syed Mustafa Siraj. An ex-serviceman and amateur naturalist with interests in butterfly collecting , orchids, cacti, and ornithology, Sarkar's unique approach to cases is notable. A film adaptation featuring him is planned, directed by Raja Sen.

Gogol

Gogol is a character created by author Samaresh Basu. He is a bespectacled, school-going boy who carries a magnifying glass and compass. A karate champion and problem-solver, Gogol's adventures were adapted into the Bengali film Gogol Er Kirti in 2013.

Ekenbabu

Ekenbabu is a detective character created by author Sujan Dasgupta, first appearing in Manhatane Moonstone in 1991. Known for his eccentric personality and unconventional methods, Ekenbabu adds a light-hearted touch to the genre.

Television adaptation of Sasthipada Chattopadhyay's Pandab Goenda

Other contemporary authors of this genre include Anish Deb, Adrish Bardhan, Sasthipada Chattopadhyay, Narayan Sanyal, Humayun Ahmed.

In popular media

Bengali detective fiction has had a strong presence in popular media, particularly through adaptations in films, television, and web series. Iconic characters such as Feluda and Byomkesh Bakshi have been continuously adapted, with notable portrayals by actors like Soumitra Chatterjee and Rajit Kapur. These characters appear in annual releases, often aligning with the holiday season, making them seasonal highlights in Bengali cinema. Other detectives, such as Kakababu, Kiriti Roy, and Shabor Dasgupta, have also gained attention, expanding the genre's reach beyond traditional print media and appealing to modern audiences through digital platforms and regional cinema.

Film Adaptations

Feluda Series

• Sonar Kella (1974) – Directed by Satyajit Ray
• Joi Baba Felunath (1979) – Directed by Satyajit Ray
• Double Feluda (2016) – Directed by Sandip Ray

Byomkesh Bakshi Series

• Chiriakhana (1967) – Directed by Satyajit Ray
• Byomkesh Pawrbo (2016) – Directed by Arindam Sil
• Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015) – Directed by Dibakar Banerjee

Kakababu Series

• Shobuj Dwiper Raja (1979) – Directed by Tapan Sinha
• Mishawr Rohosyo (2013) – Directed by Srijit Mukherji
• Yeti Obhijaan (2017) – Directed by Srijit Mukherji

Kiriti Roy Series

• Kiriti O Kalo Bhromor (2016) – Based on Kalo Bhromor
• Setarer Sur (2016) – Based on The Sitar’s Melody

Shabor Dasgupta Series

• Ebar Shabor (2015) – Directed by Arindam Sil
• Aschhe Abar Shabor (2018) – Directed by Arindam Sil

Arjun Series

• Kalimpong E Sitaharan (2013) – Directed by Prem Modi

Gogol Series

• Goyenda Gogol (2013) – Directed by Pompy Ghosh Mukherjee
• Gogoler Kirti (2014) – Directed by Pompy Ghosh Mukherjee

Colonel Niladri Sarkar Series

• Colonel (2013) – Directed by Raja Sen

References

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Categories:

• Bengali-language literature
• Detective fiction