# Makorshar Rosh

Makorshar Rosh (Bengali: মাকড়সার রস, English: "The Venom of the Tarantula") is a 1933 Bengali detective story written by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. It is part of the famous Byomkesh Bakshi series and follows the exploits of the detective Byomkesh Bakshi, who along with his friend and chronicler Ajit Bandyopadhyay, solves a complex mystery involving an unusual addiction.

## Plot summary

Set in Kolkata, the story revolves around Nandalal Babu, a wealthy but disagreeable man suffering from various ailments including partial paralysis. Despite being under constant surveillance by his family and personal physician, Dr. Mohan, Nandalal mysteriously manages to continue his addiction to tarantula venom, a rare and dangerous substance.
Concerned about Nandalal's health and baffled by his ability to obtain the venom, Dr. Mohan seeks the help of detective Byomkesh Bakshi and his friend Ajit Bandyopadhyay. Byomkesh, intrigued by the unusual case, agrees to investigate.
As Byomkesh and Ajit delve into the mystery, they uncover a series of seemingly unrelated elements:
* Regular registered letters containing only blank paper, sent to Nandalal
* Monthly monetary transactions with a Jewish woman named Rebecca Light
* Nandalal's habit of writing and editing stories using different colored inks
The investigation leads Byomkesh to scrutinize the daily routines of the household, including Nandalal's sons Arun and Abhay, and the comings and goings of various individuals connected to the family.
Byomkesh must use his keen observational skills and deductive reasoning to connect these disparate pieces of information. The solution to the mystery hinges on Byomkesh's ability to see the significance in seemingly innocuous details and uncover the ingenious method by which Nandalal maintains his dangerous habit.
The story unfolds as a classic locked-room mystery, with the added complexity of a medical enigma. Byomkesh's investigation not only aims to solve the puzzle of Nandalal's addiction but also to prevent potential tragedy resulting from the continued use of the dangerous venom.

## Characters

* Byomkesh Bakshi – The detective protagonist
* Ajit Bandyopadhyay – Byomkesh's friend and the narrator
* Nandalal Babu – The wealthy, addicted patient
* Dr. Mohan – Nandalal's personal physician
* Arun – Nandalal's eldest son
* Abhay – Nandalal's younger son
* Rebecca Light – A mysterious Jewish woman involved in supplying Nandalal's addiction

## Themes

The story explores several themes:
* Addiction and its consequences: The central plot revolves around Nandalal's dangerous addiction to tarantula venom.
* Deception and ingenuity: The methods used to smuggle and consume the venom highlight human ingenuity in pursuit of addiction.
* Family dynamics: The story touches on the strained relationships within Nandalal's family due to his behavior and addiction.
* The role of seemingly insignificant details in solving crimes: Byomkesh's solution hinges on observing and connecting apparently unrelated facts.

## Literary Significance

"Makorshar Rosh" is notable for its intricate plot and the unusual nature of the addiction at its center. The story showcases Byomkesh's deductive skills and his ability to solve mysteries that baffle others. It also demonstrates Bandyopadhyay's knowledge of obscure substances and his creativity in crafting complex criminal schemes.

## Adaptations
### Television

"Makorshar Rosh" was adapted into an episode of the popular television series Byomkesh Bakshi that aired on Doordarshan from 1993 to 1997. This adaptation was part of the series' first season, airing as the fourth episode. The series starred Rajit Kapur as Byomkesh Bakshi and was directed by Basu Chatterjee.
The story has also been adapted for a more recent television series, Byomkesh, which aired on Colors Bangla in 2019. In this adaptation, Anirban Bhattacharya portrayed Byomkesh Bakshi.
These adaptations have helped bring the story to a wider audience and have contributed to the ongoing popularity of the Byomkesh Bakshi character in Indian popular culture.

## Publication History

"Makorshar Rosh" was first published in 1933 by M.C. Sarkar and Sons. It has since been included in various collections of Byomkesh Bakshi stories, most notably in the comprehensive "Byomkesh Samagra" published by Ananda Publishers.
The story is available in several formats:
* As part of larger Byomkesh Bakshi collections in Bengali
* As a standalone Bengali e-book
* In English translation as "The Venom of the Tarantula"

## Reception

The Byomkesh Bakshi series, including "Makorshar Rosh," is highly regarded in Bengali literature. Bandyopadhyay's works are praised for their intellectual depth, unique plots, and engaging narratives. Reader reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Mouthshut generally reflect positive opinions about the story's intriguing plot and Byomkesh's deductive skills.

## Cultural Impact

"Makorshar Rosh" has left a significant imprint on Bengali detective fiction. Its unique plot involving tarantula venom addiction has been widely discussed in literary circles and has inspired other authors to explore unconventional themes in their mystery novels. The story's inclusion in multiple adaptations of Byomkesh Bakshi's adventures underscores its enduring appeal and importance within the series.

## Availability

The story is widely available in both print and digital formats:
* Print editions can be purchased from various online retailers.
* Digital versions of the Bengali text are available for free on some websites.
* English translations can be purchased as e-books from major online bookstores.