# Chiriyakhan

Chiriyakhana (Bengali: চিড়িয়াখানা, lit. 'Zoo') is a 1953 Bengali detective novella written by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, featuring the iconic sleuth Byomkesh Bakshi and his associate Ajit. It is part of the popular Byomkesh Bakshi series and is considered one of the most complex and intriguing cases in the detective's career.

## Plot

The story is set in Rose Colony, a secluded community established by Nishanath Sen, a retired judge, as a sanctuary for individuals with troubled pasts. The colony's inhabitants include:
* Damyanti Sen: Nishanath's young wife, harboring a secret past.
* Vijay: Nishanath's nephew, entangled in a love triangle with Mukul and Banalakshmi.
* Professor Nepal Gupta: An eccentric scientist ostracized for his alleged involvement in a bomb explosion.
* Mukul: Nepal's daughter, drawn into a complex relationship with Vijay.
* Brajadas: A reformed criminal seeking redemption in Rose Colony.
* Dr. Bhujangadhar Das: A disgraced doctor with a passion for music and a mysterious connection to Damyanti.
* Banalakshmi: A young woman with a troubled past, romantically involved with Rasik Dey.
* Muskil Mia: The colony's coachman, privy to the secrets of its residents.
Byomkesh and Ajit arrive at Rose Colony at Nishanath's request, who is perturbed by a series of strange occurrences—motor parts being mysteriously left at his doorstep. However, the situation escalates when Nishanath is discovered dead in his bed, seemingly from natural causes.
Byomkesh's investigation uncovers a complex web of relationships and hidden motives within the colony. He learns that Nishanath's death might not be as straightforward as it appears. Further complicating matters, Panugopal, another resident, is found dead from poisoning.
As Byomkesh delves deeper, he uncovers a hidden connection between Nishanath's past and a deceased actress named Sunayana. The investigation leads him to suspect several individuals, including Damyanti, Vijay, and Dr. Bhujangadhar Das.
Through careful observation and deduction, Byomkesh pieces together the puzzle. He reveals that Dr. Bhujangadhar Das, driven by a desire for control and revenge, orchestrated the murders. Das, formerly known as Bhujangadhar Mukhopadhyay, was Sunayana's husband. Sunayana, seeking a new life, underwent plastic surgery and assumed the identity of Banalakshmi. Bhujangadhar, consumed by rage and a thirst for retribution, followed her to Rose Colony. He manipulated events, using the motor parts as a distraction and ultimately murdering Nishanath and Panugopal to maintain his control over Banalakshmi.

## Themes

The novella explores several themes:
* Deception and Hidden Identities: The residents of Rose Colony conceal their true identities and pasts.
* The Complexity of Human Nature: Characters are multifaceted, with both good and bad qualities.
* Justice and Redemption: Byomkesh's pursuit of justice and the possibility of redemption for some characters are central to the story.

## Literary significance

Chiriyakhana is notable for its complex plot structure and psychological depth. It showcases Bandyopadhyay's skill in crafting intricate mysteries and his insight into human psychology. The novella is often cited as one of the finest examples of Bengali detective fiction.

## Adaptations
### Film

The novella was adapted into a critically acclaimed Bengali film in 1967, directed by Satyajit Ray. The film, titled Chiriakhana or Chiriyakhana (English: The Menagerie), starred Uttam Kumar as Byomkesh Bakshi.
The film's reception was initially mixed. It was once considered Ray's worst film due to its complex plot and perceived unfaithfulness to the source material. However, Uttam Kumar's flexible acting was praised by many critics at the time. Over time, the film has gained appreciation for its complexity and Ray's unique interpretation of the story.

### Television

The story has been adapted multiple times for television:
1. It was part of the popular Byomkesh Bakshi television series aired on Doordarshan from 1993 to 1997. The adaptation was split into two episodes:
* Chiryaghar - Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 13), aired on May 9, 1993
* Chiryaghar - Part 2 (Season 1, Episode 14), aired on May 16, 1993
2. The story was later remade in Hindi as part of the television series Byomkesh Bakshi starring Rajit Kapoor, which aired on Doordarshan.
These adaptations have helped introduce new generations to this classic mystery and have contributed to the enduring popularity of Byomkesh Bakshi as a character.

## Publication

Chiriyakhana has been published multiple times, both individually and as part of collections of Byomkesh Bakshi stories. An English translation titled The Menagerie and Other Byomkesh Bakshi Mysteries is available, making the story accessible to a wider audience.
The story continues to be popular among fans of detective fiction and is often included in discussions and analyses of classic Bengali literature.

## Legacy

Chiriyakhana remains one of the most popular and widely discussed stories in the Byomkesh Bakshi series. Its complex plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting have captivated readers for generations. The novella's intriguing narrative and thought-provoking themes have contributed to its enduring popularity in Bengali literature and solidified its place as a classic in the detective fiction genre.