An Analytical Reflection of the Book written in Bengali: ‘Harano Surjer Khonje’ – A Book Recommendation
- mainakmajumdar9
- Sep 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 6
An Analytical Reflection of the Book written in Bengali: ‘Harano Surjer Khonje’ – A Book Recommendation
When we speak of mythological fiction, particularly those written in the Indian subcontinent, one often notices a fascinating pattern: an interplay of history, imagination and the author’s attempt to bridge past traditions with contemporary thought. This novel of Anirban Ghosh, ‘Harano Surjer Khonje’, which can be translated in English as ‘In Search of the Lost Sun’, published in 2022 by Patra Bharati Books Pvt. Ltd. stands out as a fine example of this tradition. The book, which I happened to purchase quite incidentally during a visit to Kolkata from a local bookstore, turned out to be an unexpected gem—its narrative far more layered and gripping than I initially anticipated.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its ability to transport the reader across two ancient civilizations, India and Egypt; while weaving together threads of mythology, history and science. At its heart, the novel is not merely a tale of adventure but an exploration of human intellect, cultural exchanges and the timeless struggle between rationality and superstition, power and vulnerability, truth and secrecy.
The Historical Canvas: Why India and Egypt?
The decision to set the narrative in two ancient civilizations, India and Egypt is in itself a deeply symbolic choice by the author. Egypt, with its mighty Pharaohs, pyramids, temples and the grandeur of Nile-centered life has always fascinated historians and storytellers alike. India, with its Vedic traditions, scientific speculations and rich mythological heritage, provides an equally powerful counterpart.
By juxtaposing these two lands, Anirban Ghosh accomplishes two things. Firstly, he emphasizes the interconnectedness of civilizations and how ideas, science and philosophy could have transcended geographical boundaries even in ancient times. Secondly, he positions his character, Agastha, at the intersection of these worlds, thereby making him both a messenger and a bridge between cultures.
The presence of characters like Hathsepsut (Hatshepsut, the female Pharaoh of Egypt), Senenmuth, Irthensenu, Basuman (king of Vidarbha), Bakari and Upal strengthens this narrative of civilizational dialogue. Through them, the novel dramatizes the ways in which science, intellect and human resilience become tools for survival in the face of crises that threatened kingdoms.
Agastha: The Scientist and the Truth Seeker:
Central to the novel is the character of Agastha, whose journey is both geographical and intellectual. While he identifies himself as a scientist, his persona is far more layered. He is portrayed not only as a problem-solver for kingdoms but also as an individual burdened by a secret about his birth, a truth he is unable to share with his wife Irthensenu.
Agastha’s involvement in both Egypt and India signifies the role of the intellectual in shaping history. In Egypt, he aids Queen Hatshepsut during a crisis brought about by a solar eclipse. In those times, celestial phenomena such as eclipses were often interpreted as omens, casting doubt on the legitimacy of rulers, particularly a female monarch. The queen’s position was precarious—her reign could have been destabilized by superstitions that associated the absence of sunlight during the Opet festival as an evil sign. It is here that Agastha’s scientific understanding becomes crucial. Along with Irthensenu, he devises a way to interpret and address the eclipse, thereby preserving the legitimacy of a rare female ruler in Egyptian history.
In India, Agastha and Irthensenu later use their knowledge to aid King Basuman of Vidarbha in constructing a dam—a feat of engineering that emphasizes how applied science can directly influence the prosperity of a kingdom. These episodes underline how scientific thought, far from being abstract, had real, tangible implications for governance, survival and societal progress.
The Theme of Power and Intrigue:
A recurring undercurrent in the novel is the notion that where there is power, there is also the shadow of ego, jealousy and unethical practices. The Egyptian setting, in particular, becomes a stage for this theme. Egypt was, and still is considered one of the greatest cradles of civilization. Its Pharaohs, pyramids, temples and elaborate burial practices remain iconic even today. But with such power also came internal rivalries and constant threats both from within and from external enemies.
Anirban Ghosh, skillfully integrates this element into his narrative. Hatshepsut’s reign itself was fraught with controversies, as history remembers her as one of the few women to ascend the throne of Egypt. The novel captures these dynamics, presenting Egypt as not just a land of grandeur but also of political tensions, cultural rituals and cosmic interpretations.
The Science-History Interplay: Why the Author Chooses this Approach:
One of the most fascinating aspects of Harano Surjer Khonje is its deliberate blending of scientific thought with historical settings. The inclusion of events such as solar eclipses, the construction of dams and even references to early inventions like hydrogen-inflated balloons raises an important question: why would an author of mythological fiction consciously insert science into the storyline?
The answer lies partly in Anirban Ghosh’s own background. With a doctorate degree from Kolkata and further academic exposure in England, he carries with him a strong orientation towards analytical reasoning. His scientific training seems to have influenced his narrative style, compelling him to bridge mythology with rational speculation.
By placing scientific innovations in ancient settings, Ghosh forces the reader to reflect: Could such ideas have existed in Vedic times? Were the ancients more technologically advanced than we credit them for? Or is it simply the imagination of a modern mind projecting backward? These questions linger long after one finishes the novel, making it not just a story but also a thought experiment.
Moreover, incorporating science into mythology serves another purpose: it makes the narrative relatable for contemporary readers. While mythological stories often run the risk of appearing too distant or fantastical, the infusion of scientific reasoning anchors them in reality, providing a bridge between belief and rationality.
Egyptian Knowledge Systems: A Historical Note:
To further appreciate the novel’s setting, it is worth considering how Egypt itself was a cradle of scientific thought. The Egyptians had devised a calendar of twelve months, each thirty days long, supplemented by five “extra days” considered the birthdays of the Gods, thus forming a 365-day year. Their seasons were neatly divided into three categories: Akhet (Inundation, linked to the flooding of the Nile), Proyet (Emergence, when crops sprouted) and Shomu (Harvest, when the abundance was reaped).
This attention to astronomy, agriculture and timekeeping underscores that Egypt was not merely a land of monuments but also of keen observation and rational organization. Anirban Ghosh’s decision to draw upon such knowledge systems further enriches his narrative, as it allows readers to see how myth, ritual, and science often coexisted in ancient times.
Narrative Flow and Literary Technique:
From a literary standpoint, Harano Surjer Khonje is notable for its structural movement. The story begins in Egypt, shifts to India and then returns to Egypt, creating a pendulum-like rhythm that keeps the reader engaged. This back-and-forth movement between two civilizations mirrors the thematic focus on dialogue and exchange.
The novel’s climax, particularly in the final four chapters is masterfully handled. Just when the reader assumes the narrative has reached its resolution, the author unveils surprising turns adding layers of suspense. This structural choice keeps the pacing taut, ensuring that the novel never loses its grip on the reader’s attention.
Ghosh’s prose, though simple in tone is highly effective. He avoids overly ornate language preferring clarity and accessibility, which makes the narrative approachable for a wide readership. This simplicity, however does not mean lack of depth. On the contrary, it is precisely this clarity that allows the profound interplay of history and science to stand out.
The Final Question: Did the Ancients Truly Possess Such Science?
Perhaps the most provocative element of the novel lies in the question the author poses towards the end: were the inventions attributed to Agastha truly part of the Vedic age? Did ancient India witness hydrogen balloons soaring through its skies?
This speculative question highlights the central philosophy of the book. It is less about giving definitive answers and more about provoking thought. It invites readers to reconsider the boundaries between myth and science, between what we know and what we assume. In doing so, Anirban Ghosh follows a long tradition of thinkers who have speculated about the scientific wisdom embedded within ancient scriptures and legends.
Conclusion: A Story that Reflects on Civilization, Science and Human Spirit
In conclusion, ‘Harano Surjer Khonje’ is not merely a mythological novel but an analytical exploration of how history, imagination and science can coalesce into storytelling. By situating his narrative between India and Egypt, Anirban Ghosh underscores the universality of human struggles—against superstition, against political intrigue and in pursuit of survival through knowledge.
The novel thrives because it does not confine itself to fantasy alone. It draws upon real historical contexts, such as Hatshepsut’s reign, the Egyptian calendar and the rituals surrounding eclipses, while simultaneously embedding speculative science. This dual approach makes the narrative both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
For readers, the book serves not only as an engaging story but also as an invitation to reflect: were the ancients more advanced than we think or are we simply projecting modern ideas onto the past?
Either way, the journey Anirban Ghosh offers is worth undertaking—for it is through such imaginative storytelling that we rediscover the possibilities of human intellect and the enduring bond between history and science.
If I were to weigh this book, to gauge its impact on a scale of one to ten, I would without hesitation give it a eight.
(A note: These thoughts are my own reflections, shaped by my reading. I encourage you to read the book and form your own conclusions. Your insights are always welcome.)
That's all for now. I hope these reflections have offered some food for thought. Please feel free to share your perspectives.
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Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic
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