Karnasubarna Kadi

After the group of students and laborers left this ancient site, the place became quiet. Manabbabu remained alone in this place. Today is tenth. Tomorrow everyone will return here after the Puja holiday.

Manabbabu was standing alone in the place. Uncultivated wasteland as far as the eye can see. And this place is like a turtle's back. From within which the ruins of an ancient structure have been peeking out from under the ground for centuries. Areas like brick walls, roofless rooms, brick patios. Under the leadership of Manabbabu, the archeology department of the university has gradually revealed this very ancient architectural feat in the last one month as a result of the excavation work. About 10 years ago, something like this was found under the ground by a coincidence. The Irrigation Department started digging wells here to make the surrounding fallow land cultivable. But as the soil was dug, small pieces of ancient bricks started coming out from the bottom. Immediately, the irrigation department stopped the work and informed the archeology department. Because this region was the capital of Bengal in the distant past. Whose name was Kanasona or Karnasubarna.

Shashankadev, the first independent ruler of Bengal, established a prosperous city here. Some traces of the 1500 years old city have emerged from the ground in various places of this region. The most notable among them is Raktamritika Mahavihara. So there may be some terracotta brick pieces coming out from under the ground during the construction of the well. Based on this assumption, the Irrigation Department stopped their work and sent the news to the Archeology Department for natural reasons. At that time some digging was done but it was closed again.

At present, the government has again taken the initiative and given the responsibility of this work to Manab Babu, the head of the archeology department of the university. Manav Chakraborty, a middle-aged archaeologist, has camped here with some students and people of the department. As a result of the excavation, several antiquities were also recovered from the ground. Pottery pots, lamps. And this morning Manabbabu found an earthen pot full of curry from a niche. However, Manabbabu could not understand exactly what this place actually was. But there is still a lot of excavation work to do. Once that is done, maybe the identity of this place will be revealed. Maybe there was a monastery in this place, or the residence of a rich man or a god. Could be many things.

Tomorrow is the fifth day of Durga Puja. So everyone left. Manavbabu stayed because he wanted to enjoy solitude. A Durga Puja is held at his flat in Kolkata. During the puja, the mic was playing all the time. Even if you keep the doors and windows closed, you cannot get rid of that noise. An unappreciated Manabbabu lives alone in the flat. He has no business going out to see Tagore with his family. So he remains here alone. He worked alone as much as he could for a day.

The last light of the day spread over the ancient structures around. After sleeping under the ground for ages, these very ancient architectures are seeing the sunrise and sunset again. Manabbabu began to think to himself, in the distant past, the sound of bells would spread from here during the sunset, the message of the arrival of the evening would be heard through the conch shells, maybe a group of women would dress up in linen clothes, garlands and start preparing to light the lamps. It might even have been a dance hall. Perhaps at this very moment in the roofless room in front of him sat a dancer tying his feet, or an ancient musician stringing a musical instrument.

Standing there, Manabbabu started thinking about the past. And while thinking about this, the sun sank in the direction of the sun. A gentle cold wind also started blowing. Manavbabu moved slightly apart towards his accommodation in the ancient structure. Laborers and students also spend the night by pitching tents outside this ancient structure. All those tents, however, have now been folded up. And Manavbabu lives inside this ruin inside an ancient room without a roof with a triple hanging over his head. He made the place like a house.

Inside the house is an iron camp cot sleeping arrangements for Manavbabu. There is also a table and two chairs in the room for Manabbabu's work. All the things found as a result of the excavation are also kept in the house. And there are some things he needs daily. No sooner had Manavbabu entered there than darkness fell outside. He lit the oil lamp. After that the stove boy first warmed up the food cooked in the afternoon and finished eating. After that he lit a cigarette and sat down at the table and started working.

The earthen pot full of curry is kept on the table. He poured the links on the table first. A total of sixteen medium size links. Eight of them are white in color and the other eight are dark brown in color. Their bodies are still very smooth. Time has not yet taken away its brilliance. Manabbabu knows that gold coins were in circulation in Bengal during the sixth-seventh centuries. Then gold coins almost disappeared in the 8th century due to decline in sea trade. In the flat Harikal region, silver coins were used by the wealthy in place of gold coins until the twelfth century. But in daily life common people used kali as an alternative to currency. But this card was not available in Bangladesh. Kari used to come from as far away as the Maldives.

Manabbabu first took the links in his hand and started looking back. There is a fine hole on the back of each cord. In that era, karahi was not only a medium of exchange but also used as an ornament. Seeing the holes, Manabbabu thought that these links were part of a broken garland. Which was adorned with a woman's voice, or covered her loins? Garland was tied with that broken thread of history, one day it was broken and lost? That can happen.

After seeing the links he sat down to examine the pot. A pot made of burnt clay, its body and rim are very smooth. The handiwork of the ancient potter who made this pot must be admired. Cleaning the outer surface of the pot with a soft brush and with the help of a glass, he began to try to see if there were any fine decorations, writings or symbols missing on it. From which may be an indication of an unknown chapter of history, may be an identity in this place.

Manavbabu was working. He suddenly raised his face hearing a vague sound. Outside the entrance of the house as a shadow standing! Manavbabu looked at it and said, 'Who is there??

Now a middle-aged man entered the house. He is wearing a dhoti-like material, a white bow on his body. After entering the room, he stood with a little huddle. The nearest village is five miles from here. Where did people come from? So Manavbabu asked in a mildly surprised way, 'Who are you?' The man folded his hands in a gesture of prostration and bowed his head gently and said, 'I am a local man, my name is Martand. Brahmin. I went out for an evening walk. I came here out of curiosity after seeing the light.' Manabbabu now noticed that the man's head was shaved but there was a flame or tiki on the back of his head. And there is a flower tied to it. The fringe of the flame tied with flowers hangs on one side of the man's shoulder. The man then moved his plane slightly away from his chest to confirm his identity. Manabbabu saw that he had a pita on his chest.

Sometimes the local people also give some insight into the history of these places. Because, many times through folk tales or fables, some truths of history remain with the local people for ages. Many times it also happens that history researchers reach the threshold of thousands of years of ancient history based on the weak sources of stories told by local people. The history of that place is revealed. Such was the case with Chandraketugarh, one of the oldest architectural sites in Bengal. Looking at the man, Manabbabu does not seem to be a thief-robber. He seems to be a gentleman. If any ancient story about this place is known from the man, Manabbabu said to him, 'Why are you standing? Come and sit on the chair. You are a local person, let's talk with you."

The man seemed to be pleased with his words. A faint smile appeared on his face. The man has no shoes on. The man quietly came forward and stood in front of the table. Then Manavbabu sat on the other side of the table. Manabbabu got a closer look at the man. His complexion is glorious. Although a little depressed, his pointed nose on his beardless face is quite eye-catching. Brahmin's eyes are also very bright. After sitting on the chair, the man hesitated a little and asked the man, 'Your identity?'

Manavbabu said, 'My name is Manav Chakraborty.'

After saying the name, Manabbabu was going to give the rest of his identity, but as soon as he heard the name, the Brahmin named Martanda stood up from the chair and said, 'Man! Karnasubarna Lord Shashankadev's son Manavdev? Rajachakravarti human?"

Manavbabu thought to himself, the man has a good sense of humor! At one time Shashanka was the first Bengali ruler of this Karnasubarna. Emperor Shashanka. And after his death, his son Manavdev sat on the throne of Bengal. But this man also knows a little about the history of that era.

Manabbabu laughed at Martandar's words and said, 'No, I am not the son of Emperor Shashanka. And neither is Rajachakravarti. Chakraborty is my surname not surname. Why did you stand? Sit down.'

Martanda said, “I heard your name and thought, you are King Manava. I should not sit in front of the king, so I stood up.' Saying the words, he sat on the chair.

Manabbabu smiled softly and said, 'You can talk very funny! I teach in a university. The excavation work going on in this ancient place is going on under my leadership.'

Martandar's eyes fell on the pot on the table and the scattered cards. Seeing the links made his eyes shine brighter. Mildly surprised, he asked, 'Where did you get these bracelets?'

Manav replied, 'Here this morning two bricks fell out of a wall and a small niche appeared. This pot was kept inside it and the links were inside it. You may know that once upon a time in that ancient Bangladesh, people used cords as money, and girls used to wear cord garlands. These links have holes on the back. Seeing that, I think that the garlands were made with these links.'

Looking at the rings, the Brahmin first said, 'Yes, these rings used to come from Maldives to this Karnasuvarna....'

Manav was a little surprised to hear the word 'Maldevip' in the mouth of the village Brahmin. In ancient times, Maldives was referred to as 'Maladevipa' in Sanskrit mythology. That means this person has education about that era. The man is not as ordinary as Manav thought. Manav complimented him saying, 'Bah, you know a lot A! Do you read about these?

Martand said, 'Yes, I know. I also know about these links. These links were not tied in garlands. These links are leaky links or edge links.

Manav said, “You mean, these are immovable links. which had no value as money.'

The Brahmin nodded his head in agreement and said, 'These links, though impractical as money, could make a beggar a king, and a king a beggar.'

Manav asked, "What does that mean?"

Martanda replied, 'Gambling was done with these kana kadi. The edges of Karnasubarna. How many people have been looted by this card, and some people have received gold coins full of webs, it is not counted.

Manav said, 'I know that gambling was in vogue in those days, but I did not know the gambling that was done with these kana kadis.'

Martand said, 'Yes, it would. And this place was the biggest gambling den of Karnasubarna. White star palace. A gambling den, and a brothel with it.'

Hearing this, Manabbabu said quite surprised, 'How did you know this story? Who are the white stars?'

Martanda said, "Her exact identity is not known. Asim Rupavati is a daughter. Some say she is a Brahmin's daughter, otherwise she would not have been so beautiful. Others say she was actually a Buddhist. The name Shvettara was common among Buddhists at that time. Shvettara was born in childhood. Her parents were killed by king Shashanka. And her slender waist, conch-shaped breasts, and luscious complexion, some would say she was actually a daughter of the land of Kari, that is, of the Maldives. Whatever her identity, she is a palm-leaf cottage right here. Banay first opened a gambling hall, which was later converted into a brick palace. I know the events of that day.'

Manabbabu said, 'Oh, it's a good story! Go on."

Martand said, 'No, no, this is not a story, but a true story. Well, let me show you something. Only then you will understand the truth of my words. Go outside with the links in the event.

The man appeared suddenly, but he didn't seem like a bad guy. This man is a local man. Maybe he really has something to show for it. Thinking of this, manabbabu came out with the man, filled the pot with the pot as he said.
The moon has risen outside. Even though it is a half moon, the moonlight is quite bright as the sky is free of dust and smoke. And it is spread over the ancient brick structures that rise up from deep in the ground. The moon is shining on the past. Saying 'Wake up, wake up. Manavbabu was very happy to look around. The man could read his mind. He said, 'Even if it's not a full moon, the light is quite beautiful. You know, once this palace used to shine with the light of lamps all night. How many people used to move here throughout the night. The flat area you see on your right, where the horses of the guests used to be tied, and on the low wall that you can see a little further away, a group of gamblers would stand with manure attached to them hoping for gambling customers. The group of barbanitas used to squeal like honey bees when someone came out with a bag of coins after winning a gambling game. Clown troupes also used to come here to perform pranks. Cake sellers with wicker baskets and itinerant liquor sellers roamed outside the palace carrying liquor in leather bags on their backs. Besides, the party of creditors of gamblers also came. To evade them, the gamblers often escaped through that window door on your west side. There was a road leading to the river. Those gamblers who lost through the jungle used to leave Karnasuvarna with boats to escape from the hands of creditors.'

The man spoke the words as if he had seen them with his own eyes as he walked through the traces of ancient history with the man.

The man came to a stop at a bricked-up area right in the middle of the sprawling ancient architecture. The place will be twenty cubits long and wide. Faint traces of the walls remain as a result of excavation around it. Perhaps there was a house in this place. Martanda confirmed Manabbabu's guess and said, 'Shvetara used to sit and play gambling at this very place. There were gambling clubs in various rooms of the palace, but the whites used to gamble in these rooms. Common people, however, were not allowed to enter this room. They didn't even have that ability. Because, one hundred gold coins had to be bet every time to play with White Star. Only princes, noble merchants and rich Brahmins used to gamble in this room.

Saying these words, Martand fell down on the ground. Then he rubbed his hands on the brick floor to remove the dust. Manavbabu also leaned forward to understand what he was trying to do. After a while, a table carved on the floor was slowly revealed from behind the dust layer. That table looks a lot like the table of Baghbandi game. Although somewhat obvious, the chart is fairly understandable. There are parallel grooves between the six, again divided diagonally. Manabbabu was quite surprised to see that ancient gambling table of a thousand years. How did the man know about this chart? And then Manabbabu noticed that this place was first exposed after the excavation work started ten years ago. Then the place was left unprotected for the last ten years. At some point, he may have found this table and now he is trying to surprise the man after seeing it. Stories about gambling dens are catching. But there is no doubt that this tableau is an important archaeological discovery. Previously, Manabbabu did not find any other sign or picture in this archaeological site except that tableau. He found it through the man. Maybe the real identity of this place will be known in the future. But for now it's better to trust the man. The man might find him something more. Thinking about all this, Manavbabu was waiting for what the man would say or do next.

Martand shook off the dust and cleaned the table well and said, 'Give me the links. The game is up to you.'

After washing the pot in his hands, Manavbabu first put the Martanda Kalis on the ground. Then he divided the links into white and black and arranged eight links on both sides of the table and said to Manabbabu, 'Take it and sit down. Let me explain the game to you first and then you can play one hand.

Manavbabu did not object to the man's words. Like the players, the two of them sat on both sides of the ancient table, just like the people who sat on the two sides of this table many centuries ago.

Martand first explained the game to Manabbabu. The game is simple, much like the game of Baghbandi. Konakuni tops have to swallow each other's ribs. In the end, the one who can eat the other party's card wins.

After understanding the game, Manabbabu said, 'You are saying that this place was the gambling den of that beautiful woman Shwetara. White stars used to play card gambling in this six. What else do you know about this place?”

The man said, 'I know a lot. Let's tell you that story to play with one hand.'

Manabbabu smiled and said, 'Yes, it can be played. I want to listen to you. It feels good.'

Martand said, 'Tell me what bet you want to play. Can't play without betting. This table is said to be Shvetvara's gambling table.

But this time, Manabbabu stopped after hearing the man's words. He never bet with anyone. Gambling is out of the question. The man has no intention of taking money from Manabbabu by betting. Thinking of this, Manavbabu looked at the man with mild suspicion.

The man seemed to be able to read her mind. He said, 'No, not much money. We will play by betting only one currency, that is, one rupee. Once upon a time it was a gambling den of white stars. Gambling on this card and this table One day If you play by betting, you can enjoy the greatness of this place.'

The man, however, did not lie. Those who visit the racecourse for a day in a lifetime, or visit the casino on a trip to Nepal, go there without being gamblers to bet a few bucks to enjoy the excitement, the grandeur of the place. "

After hearing Martandar's words, Manabbabu said, 'Okay, as you say, now I will bet. But this is only one taka, not more than that.'- Speaking, he took out a raw taka from his pocket and placed it next to the table.
Martguo then took out a wad of cash from the fold of his waist and placed it on the other side of the table.

But Manabbabu felt that the shape of the coin kept by the drunkard was different from the common one rupee coin in the market. After a little hesitation he picked up the coin and realized that his guess was correct. Is the man's currency fake? But he was surprised when he turned the coin in the moonlight. One side of the coin is decorated with flowers and leaves and the other side is engraved with the image of a janda or bull. This ancient coin Manavbabu saw in the museum!

After taking a good look at the coin, Manabbabu asked, 'Where did you get this coin? Emperor Shashanka's coin engraved with the body symbol! Even if it is not a gold or silver coin, its value cannot be determined in terms of money. Priceless historical stuff!”

Martand smiled and replied, 'Yes, you are right. It is a coin of Rajadhiraja Shashanka. Get it from here.'

Manavbabu said, 'That means you got the coin from this rubble? That means that there is no doubt that this place belongs to Shashanka's period or later close to Shashanka's period.'

Martanda said, 'If you win the game, this coin will be yours. Come on, let's start the game. Let's play and talk."

Manabbabu said, 'Yes, I am really surprised to meet you. Play and tell all the stories you know about the place. Well, is there a specific time to play this game?'

He replied, 'It is not. But the game must be finished by night. Whoever has the white card makes the first move. And then whoever has the black card in hand gets the chance to move twice in a row for the first time. You have a white card. You give the rice first.'

Manabbabu made the first move, 'The game has started.'

 As usual, Martand slowly recovered and advanced two links.

Thinking of what move to make next, Manabbabu said to Martanda, 'Take it, start your talk—'

Martanda said, 'Yes, wait a minute. Do you have a fire? I'm addicted to tobacco again.'

Hearing his words, Manav took out Deslai from his pocket. The man grabbed his tank and brandished a few long stick-like objects. They look like bidis but are quite long in size. Handing one of them to Manavbabu, Martand said, 'Will one of yours work or not? tobacco stick Try it and you will like it.

Even if manavbabu smokes, he does not eat beedis. But seeing the man giving it, he politely took it in his hand and put it back to his lips. Martand also hummed a tobacco stick in his mouth. Then he first lit himself with deslai and held it in Manabbabu's mouth. After catching the fire, the human baby's head seemed to tingle as he pulled the two. Taking the tobacco stick from his lips, Manabbabu said, "It's quite a strong tobacco."

Martand also took two long pulls on the tobacco stick and released a mouthful of smoke. Like blue smoke.' Looking at the table, Martand began his speech-

Yes, we do go back in time. It can be said that the glory of Bengali, the glory of Karnasubarna was plunged into darkness. After the death of Rajadhiraj Shashanka, his son Manav was killed sitting on the throne for some time. And with his death darkness descended on Bangladesh. Several kings came after Malvaraj but none of them could hold this kingdom. The emergence of small clan leaders. They declared themselves 'Kings' and tore the country into pieces. He brought down tyranny on the land that man possessed. The rule of law then means only the rule of the rich, whose tyranny costs the lives of the poor. There was no account of how many people lost their lives and how many women were raped every day. And there is no question of justice. The ordinary villages of Karnasubarna began to become empty due to the fear of oppression by the rulers, the rich, the Brahmins. Jackals, dogs, turned into shelters slowly.

Outside the city, in the surrounding villages, where the conch shell could be heard in the twilight of the paddy fields, the howling of jackals began to be heard even during the day. The golden rice fields were filled with dense jungle. A strange darkness descended on Bengal. People say 'Matsanyaya'.

Martand pulled the tobacco stick with a soft smile as he told the introduction of the story.

Manavbabu gave another pull on the tobacco stick with a rice. This time his head did not flicker. Instead, he felt a strange obsession.

'Yes, that's what I was talking about,' resumed Martand. Many people have fled this country, but not everyone can escape. So many people stayed here. When darkness descends on a kingdom, the dark instincts of the human mind rise up with it. Because people are no longer people. Maybe it's the situation that makes people like that. As the darkness began to fall in this Karnasuvarna, the gambling and the revelry of the brothel increased along with it. People want to get rich easily, and when they are rich, everything is in their hands. Power, women are everything. And that's why the light of Shvetara's gambling club started getting brighter day by day. From simple monks, nobles flocked to these gambling dens to win back their fortunes or to become richer. Even foreign merchants used to arrive here on the peacocks of Bhagirathi.

As I told you earlier, no one knows where the Whites came from, why they came here, what their lineage was. If anyone questioned him about these things, he would just laugh at the eager man and say, 'My name is Shwetvara. I play gambling. Make a beggar a king, a king a beggar. Isn't this identity of mine enough?"

Although the whites set up a brothel in the area adjacent to this batika to entertain those who came to the gambling den, the whites themselves did not engage in prostitution. He would not let anyone touch his body even if he sat at this table and played cards. In the light of the lamp hanging over the head, Ishath leaned and gave rice to the table, many times the deep cleavage of Shvettara bloomed in front of the eyes of the player sitting in front. Maybe, maybe why would definitely tempt, arouse desire in the mind of the player. But the diameter is so far. But he had no right to touch the white stars. Rather, the foolish gambler used to sit and lose with wrong moves looking at that white cleavage. Some, however, said that this was also a ploy by White Star to demoralize the opponent. That's why this gambler didn't try to hide her chest cleavage with a skirt while sitting at the table. he However, no one could ever beat Shwetara in a game of cards, no matter what. That's how time went on.

Shwetara used to take bath in Bhagirathi at two o'clock every day. Bhagirathi was very close to this house. There was a river a little further to the west. But the Hevataras did not get down from the palanquin or shivika while bathing. The team of Beharas would lower the palanquin along with the white stars on fire and bring it up again. One day a sudden incident happened. The river has been overflowing for days. It has been raining since morning. As usual, the four Beharas left the palace at noon and left for the river with white star necklaces. When they arrived at the river it was raining in torrents. After dipping the shibikata in water a few times, the beharas will come up as usual. They descended into the water with pride. That's when the incident or accident happened.

The feet of the beharas, who were in waist-deep water, were struck by the shock of the strong current or on the mud below the water. The wooden palanquin fell into the water, then the palanquin started running with Shvetara in the river bed in the strong current. Some distance away there is a vortex. The palanquin ran in that direction. And if he falls into the vortex, the palanquin will sink in a moment.

The shape of the river was insane. White stars did not know how to swim. That's why he bathed with palanquin. Shwetara started screaming in panic from inside the palanquin. Palki Beharas are busy saving themselves. And swimming to catch that palanquin means absolute death. Whoever chases him will also be dragged by the vortex. The white star's palanquin then approaches the vortex. The whirlwind is clear in front of Shvetara's eyes. Little by little, the dark colored water is going down there.

The white stars along with the palanquin might also have gone down to the underworld. But just at that moment a head and a hand came out of the murky water in front of Shvettara's palanquin. That hand pulled Shvetara out of the palanquin with a tug. And the next moment the empty palakita fell into the vortex. In the blink of an eye, the palanquin disappeared into the river On the other side. And that hand carried Shvetara to the shore even through the strong current. In no time, Shvetara came ashore, dodging certain death. He got up on the bank, but then he was unconscious.

Seeing certain death in front of his eyes, he fainted the moment he pulled her by the hand in the excitement of panic. The man who rescued her realized that Shvettara had lost consciousness after lifting him to the shore. Well he looked at Shvettara. The white star's body is wet with water. Before the eyes of the Redeemer bloomed the youth of the wet-indefinite white star. Revealing her circlet twine from inside the wet corset, the bosom slipped from Shwetara's waist. The deep navel of the white star is absorbing the rain water falling from the sky. The man was stunned for a few moments looking at Shvettara's wet youth. So much beauty in that body. But then the man regained his composure. Looking at Shvetara's belly, the man felt that it was a bit swollen.

Shvetara fell into the river and drank some water. Hesitantly, the man began patting Shvettara's chest to bring her back to consciousness. Within a few moments, Shwetara sat up after gathering a little water. A stranger is sitting in front of him. It took Shvettara a few moments to bring her thoughts back to normal. Then he quickly straightened his wet slippery seat as best he could and stood up. That man also stood up. His waist is covered with wet white cloth. Seeing that the man was a Brahmin, the Whites assumed that he was a Brahmin. Hetara asked him, 'Who are you?'

The man replied, 'I am Kashyap. Brahmin. I came here in search of fortune from far away. I went down to take a bath in the river. I saw the palanquin running towards the vortex. And so...'

The whites wanted to know, 'far country means which country? 'From a small town called Rupnagar on the border of Kamrup. During the reign of Narendradev Shashank, that village was the last frontier of Bangladesh. Kashyap replied. Didn't that scare you when you jumped into that vortex?” White star asked.

Kashyap smiled and said, 'Down the road, I realized that death always follows ordinary people like us. On the forest path as a tiger or snake, on the street as a smuggler, as a bandit and on the highway as a king or land lord's army. Death can strike at any time in various forms. I have met death several times while on foot. So without thinking about anything else, I went towards the vortex.

Shwetara heard about Kashyap and said, 'Where is your destination now?'

Kashyap said, 'I need a shelter now in this unfamiliar place. Where you can stay for free and be pampered. Currently I am penniless. The few things I had, even the doll with my ancient clothes, were taken by a group of people last night. I did not know that the situation is so chaotic here:

Hearing Kashyap's words, the peasants realized that their savior was in considerable danger in this unfamiliar environment. Kashyap is his lifesaver. So after thinking for a while Shwetara said to Brahmin Kashyap, 'My name is Shwetara. I have a prasadopam batika here. I run a casino there. You can go to my bowl if you want. I will also arrange the food. will go

Kashyap was quite surprised to hear this beautiful woman gambling. But Kashyap was destitute at that time. Time and space should not be judged in getting asylum. If you are on the street, maybe someone will take off the seat! Kashyap thought for a moment and said, 'Yes, I will go.'

The place where Bhargava lifted the white star from the river is quite a bit different from the bathing ghat. The place is full of Hogla leaf forest. Breaking through that forest, Shwetara took Kasyapa and proceeded towards his palace. But Shvettara came across a strange scene after returning to this palace with Brahmin Kashyap. Palki Behara's party returns and reports that Shvetstara with Palki has been drowned in the vortex. And as soon as he heard the news, some of his employees started looting in the palace. Someone is trying to move the furniture, someone is searching again where the white star's diamond jewel - the gold seal - is kept. Seeing Shvettara enter the temple, they were all startled like ghosts and tried to run away, while some hugged her legs and begged for forgiveness for what they had done. Kicking them away, Shwetara proceeded to her bedroom. He had several ornaments inside the chest. The real wealth, however, he hides in another secret place. His whereabouts will not be found by looters.

Entering the bedroom, Shwetara saw someone trying to open her iron chest. That man was most trusted by the Whites and given the job of keeper and coin collector in gambling dens. The man's name is Kukkut. And he is breaking his coffin after hearing the news of Shvetara's death! White stars could not bear this scene. A heavy brass candlestick was placed inside the room. He threw it at the chicken. It fell on the chicken's head. The chicken somehow escaped from the room covered in blood.

In no time he gathered all the servants of the palace in one place. The palkibeharas along with the chickens and some other people were expelled by the whites at that very moment from the vicinity of this batika and its gambling den. Then the white star is one Ordered the people to make arrangements for the Brahmin Kashyap's accommodation. Brahmin Kashyap is housed in one room of this palace. Because of this sudden disorder in the palace, gambling was stopped in the palace that night.

But one thing the Whites realized from this incident was that he needed a man of faith. If ever Shwettara needs to go somewhere, she's the kind of man she can entrust the palace and gambling den to. But in this kingdom of darkness, where will the white people find such people? While thinking, he suddenly remembered the newcomer Kashyap. The man saved his life. Shvettara did not see him as a bad person. Human life is like a gambling table. No one can tell when a bet on it will win. If the person agrees, he can be examined with responsibility. Considering this, Shwetara called Kashyap the next morning.

Shwetara asked Kashyap first, "Brahmin, do you know how to calculate?" Coins, cards and other accounts? Kashyap replied, 'Yes, I know. I know how to draw, I know how to write.

Shvetara said, “Listen brahmin. I need a card keeper and coin keeper. Whose job is to distribute the playing cards to the gamblers who come here to play and at the end of the game to understand the playing cards and the money due. One-fifth of the money one wins in gambling has to be given to me here. Many times gamblers come here with ornaments instead of playing with cash. The coin value is paid to him by deducting five per cent of the value of the ornament by depositing it. It's also a job. Above all, all accounts must be kept in this gambling den. Will you do this? I will pay you ten silver coins monthly. It goes without saying that your food and shelter are free. Moreover, many a time when a gambler has won a large amount of money, he is happy to give the coin to the card keeper, that coin will be yours.'

Kashyap had no retreat. There was no family, no parents. He had only a broken hut in a village far away. So he agreed to Shvettara's proposal. Kashyap went back to work. White stars taught him all the work. Every evening he distributes the cards to the gamblers present, collects Shvetara's dues from them, and when the Shvetara returns from their bath at two o'clock the next day, he thoroughly explains the previous day's account to the Shvetara. Time went on, years also went on and Kashyap became very fond of the game of gambling with him every day. Sometimes he would sit at the gambling table himself and he would sit like other gamblers giving the white star his fair share. White star never cheated a single penny. At this time another thing started to occur in the mind of that Brahmin Kashyap. It was as if he was becoming more and more attached to the white star. At two o'clock, just before he could have accounted for the White Star, the White Star returned to the river. Just looking at his wet hair reminded Kashyap Ken Jani of those first days. A woman in wet, slippery clothes is lying in front of him on the bank of the river. Did the Whites infer anything about Kashyap's thoughts? Martand stopped telling the story so far.

Looking at Manabbabu, he asked, "How do you feel about my words?" After finishing the tobacco stick given by Martandar, Manabbabu feels relaxed. He said 'It feels good!'

Martanda smiled happily at Manabbabu's reply. For a long time, they gave the curry rice in silence. Both of them play a few cards of each other. Sitting on a piece of ancient history in the moonlight, Martand resumed his speech.

"Yes, that's what I was saying. Kashyap's days were passing like this in Karnasubarna's gambling den. Shvettara's days were also passing. His gambling business started to flourish day by day. The previous card keeper, the man named Kukkut, was taking money, but Kashyap explained every card to Shvettara. So the profits of Shvettara continued to increase.

At the time when this happened, a man named King Shone was ruling the region. The man was a 'shon pakhi' i.e. ferocious, hollow like a hawk. It was as if more darkness descended on Karnasubarna's chest with his indulgence. From brothels to gambling den owners, all of them regularly sent money to him. White stars also sent. Therefore, Shvettara was not in danger from his side. But one thing was unknown to Shvettara. How did that chick flock to the king of darkness? Ratan knows Ratan. He soon became Shen's favorite.

In any gambling chat, minor problems are bound to happen. In the game, quarrels over gambling, quarrels, fights with creditors, riots with prostitutes are always happening.

The service has been running for six months. One morning a different kind of nuisance arrived at Shvetara's door. An old Brahmin came. His question is whether his son came to this gambling club last night? Hearing the description of his son from the old man's mouth, it was understood that he had come to hang out last night. A boy of fifteen years. He came with a bag of silver coins and while playing with a seasoned gambler, he lost the gamble and lost the whole coins. The matter was reported to the old Brahmin. These incidents often happen in gambling dens. Hearing the news, the Brahmin got up and said, 'I have lost everything. What do I do now? That's all I've saved up all my life. Where did the boy go?' Saying this, the Brahmin went away wiping his eyes with his feather.

on The morning and afternoon passed in the same way as the day. White stars went to bathe in the river as usual. After he returned, Kashyap imagined the wet body of Shwetara on the bank of the river to convince him to account for the money as he did the previous day. Afternoon is one time. Then the preparations for the night began. The group of maids started cooking in the light of the lamp, the part was tied to the torch and immersed in the oil pot. As soon as the sun went down, two or four gamblers started appearing outside this palace of Shwetara.

Torches and lamps began to shine in the palace. Kadhi keeper Kashyap bathed and got ready with his Kankadi bags. White stars were also decorated with new linen and ornaments. On this day, a rich nobleman is supposed to come to gamble.

As soon as darkness fell, Kashyap moved towards the great room of the palace with his bag of Kanakdi. Gamblers sit there and play card games all night long. That room is also ready for gamblers. The leaves on both sides of each table are palm leaves. A large oil lamp is placed next to each table. Maids and servants are ready to invite the gamblers with flower garlands and liquors, tambul vessels. Kashyap was about to enter the room when he heard a commotion from outside. what's the matter Before the start of the game, there was a riot between the gamblers or not? Kashyap went forward to the entrance gate to see the matter.

The archway was opened then. Gamblers have also gathered on the other side of the arcade to enter the palace. But they can't move forward. The front part of the pylon is a little rough. There, with both hands spread on both sides, a torch-bearer is saying to the gamblers, 'You go back, go back. Otherwise you will be destroyed one day, will be destroyed.' Kashyap recognized the man. This is the Brahmin who came in the morning in search of his son. Kashyap asked the watchman who was standing in Deuri about the matter, he said, 'The son of a Brahmin has lost his gambling and committed suicide with a rope. And the Brahmin's wife committed suicide as soon as she heard this incident. A Brahmin has gone mad without his wife and son. He does not allow anyone to enter the gambling den.'

There is no doubt that the incident is unfortunate. But this is the religion of gambling. Kanakadi destroys some and makes others kings. A few days ago a beggar came to play with only a few coins. But he returned as the owner of immense property. Shvettara or Kashyap do not have to do anything special in this regard.

The Brahmin was shouting at the gamblers. But then he suddenly noticed Kashyap standing on the pylon.

He looks like a madman. He said to Kashyap, 'Stop, stop this gambling club. You will not bring down more darkness in this dark Bangladesh. Stop Whitestar gambling. Let the few people who are still somehow alive in this kingdom of darkness live. Turn off the arch.

Kashyap tried to pacify the Brahmin. But the old Brahmin began to shout, 'For this palace of the white star, I have lost everything! Who knows how many more will be destitute, destroyed? In your body you have the blessings of Brahman. Do not be a part of this sin.

Just at this time Shwetara also appeared there from his room after hearing the sound of shouting. Seeing him, he became more excited and started shouting, 'Sarbanashini, either give back my son and the Brahmin, or stop your gambling den. Stop it, stop it...'

 Whatever happens, can gambling chats be stopped? But Shvetara remained silent, unable to understand how to pacify this old brahmin. Just then, the nobleman arrived there with a group of pike. Whose arrival was waiting. white stars Young in his prime. Seeing him, the Brahmin said, 'Do not enter this palace. This palace leads people to destruction. Before you enter this palace, think about your parents. Think of wife, son and daughter. The young Shresthi is about to set foot in the White Star's palace for the first time. Hearing the old brahmin's words, he stopped. Hearing the Brahmin's words, he might have tried to think whether he was really going to do the job. The white stars now counted Pramad. If the young man goes back, he will face loss. To the young man he said, 'You enter in.' So they took hold of the old Brahmin and moved him to one side. The Brahmin kept shouting, 'Stop, stop this card gambling.'

The young Shresthi was then taken almost by the hand into the palace. As the arcades were thrown open, ordinary gamblers also entered the palace. Can the Brahmin's screams stop the inexorable attraction of gambling? Kashyap had no time to worry about that old brahmin. Kashyap entered the palace and concentrated on his work. All through the night the gambling went on like every other night. Shwetara won huge money by gambling with the rich young man sitting in his room. The young man and the other gamblers left the palace after the last night's play.

The sun is shining. A gatekeeper came through the front door and told Shwetara that the Brahmin had not left the place. He is lying on the couch. On hearing the incident, Shvetara ordered Kashyap to send the Brahmin back with some coins and aharadi. A little late to follow his instructions Kashyap came out of Deuri. That old Brahmin is lying on the couch. Kashyap tried to convince him. But the Brahmin said, 'There is no question of accepting money, unless the gambling dens stop, he will not touch any food or drink. Starve to death at this place. When Kashyap returns unsuccessfully to tell the news to Shwetara, he says, 'Okay stay while she is sleeping. If he does not prevent anyone from entering the palace, then there is no need to forcibly remove him now, the situation can be dealt with later."

As the old man did not stop anyone from entering the gambling den, he did not move from the table. He did not touch anything food or drink. Three nights passed like this. Many of the gamblers who came and went mocked the old man. Someone threw leftover food at him, mistaking him for a beggar. That Brahmin digested everything silently. On the fourth day, shortly before sunset, the gatekeeper came and reported, “That old man seems to be dying.'

Hearing this, Kashyap went to the old man. It was almost the end of Brahman. Seeing Kashyap, he held up his upper body and said, 'If I am truly a devout Brahmin, if I have not done any wrongdoing in life, then I am saying that this gambling den, this palace will be destroyed. And you became a Brahmin and got involved in this sinful business. You are now fallen. You will never be freed from this place and this pappuri. I cursed you.” After saying this, Upavit broke down and the Brahmin's voice stopped forever.

Kashyap came and gave the news to Shwetara. After hearing the matter, Shvetara said, 'It is not acceptable to make a brahmin's mouth go stale. Besides, gamblers will start coming in no time. Seeing the dead body can lead to reformation. I'm dealing with the gamblers tonight. According to Shvettara, Kashyap took some people with him and proceeded to cremate the Brahmin's body.

It was dark when they reached the river bank. It took some time to procure wood etc. Then the old Brahmin's body was laid on the pyre and fire was lit. The body began to burn. Those who have experience of cremation in wood pyres know that burning corpses often sit up to tighten the bone marrow as they burn. Kashyap was standing very close to the cheetah and supervising the matter. Suddenly the Brahmin's burning body rose up and sat on the pyre. Kashyap thought that the face of the Brahmin, whose flesh was falling off in the fire, looked at him as if Datta was smiling. One of his hands was raised towards the river. And then, of course, a man hit the burning body of the Brahmin with a wooden block. After completing the cremation, Kashyap returned to Shvettara's palace at midnight.' Martand stopped saying so far. With a move, he said to Manabbabu, 'My story has a special relationship with the story of Brahmin, so I said.'

Manavbabu silently gave a rice. Meanwhile, both Manabbabu and Martanda have swallowed several kadis from the other side. After giving rice to Manabbabu, Martanda started speaking again. The next day, Shwettara was informed that a large peacock had arrived on the river bank. Whose peacock? Meanwhile, people don't usually take or trade for fear of being looted. Those from the north who go by river to the south towards the estuary take another branch of the Ganges. Most of the villages on both sides of Bhagirathi are now deserted, forested and sheltered by smugglers and bandits. Therefore, no trade is treading this path. The news aroused curiosity in Shvetara's mind.

He appeared on the bank of the river with Kashyap, a prominent associate. Yes, there is a big peacock standing in the middle of the river. A number of people had already landed on the shore with boats from Mayurpankhi. As soon as Shwetara and Kashyap arrived there, a man approached them. She wears lace-woven velvet robes, a pearl-studded headband. The golden bangles on her hands glittered with precious stones in the light of day. Just as Hetvara and Kashap were surprised to see her, the fair-skinned youth was probably quite surprised to see the beautiful Lalna Shwettara on that almost forested river bank. After looking at each other for a few moments, the noble youth asked, "Which place is this?"

The white stars replied, 'The shore of Karnasuvarna.'

Hearing this, the young man was mildly surprised and said, 'Karnsubarna. So for the last two days, no settlements were seen on either side of the river bank. I was not supposed to come this way.'

Seeing the young man's mild surprise, both Kashyap and Shwetara assumed that the visitor had heard of Karnasubarna's present 'fame'. Hetara asked him, why did he come this way? What is your identity?'

The young man replied, "My name is Raivatak. I am a resident of Kashi city. I was returning home after trading from the South Sea. Four days ago I entered the riverbed of Bhagirathi due to a storm. I have not seen any people around for the last three days. The two or four villages that are visible from the river. It is all desolate. Last night I saw a point of light here in the distance. I thought there was a port here. The fire was being made to announce its presence to the boats as it is said to be. But when I came I found nothing, but I was in danger.'

Kashyapa heard the merchant Raivatak and understood the secret of the fire pit. The fire that had been lit last night to cremate the old Brahmin was what the sailor of Mayurpali saw.

The sailor said again, 'Your identity?'

Shvetara replied, 'I am Shvetara. Here is my palace. I run a gambling club. My companion is this Brahmin named Kashyap. What do you do now? Start the journey again??

Raivatak said, 'That's what I used to do. But I am in danger. I could not see in the dark that the navigability is so low in this part of the river. My peacock is stuck like a huge boulder. Not moving even in the tidal water.'

Shvettara said, "There has not been a drop of rain this summer, so this is the state of the river."

Raivatak said, 'Monsoon is still at least a half-year late. I cannot return unless the river rises. We are one people. I am willing to pay a reasonable price if I get shelter here for a few days. Something from Panthshala group.'

Hearing his words, Shvettara smiled and said, 'The city is not far away, but the golden city you have heard about is almost uninhabited today. Temples, Buddhist monasteries, royal Panth residences that sheltered pilgrims and merchants are now home to jackal-dogs.'

"But what can be done?" A clear expression of thought caught the young man's golden face.

It is not known whether Shvetara fell in love with the young man at first sight. He said to Raivatak, 'You can spend a few days in my house if you wish. But there will not be room for a single person.'

Hearing the white star's proposal, the young man first said, "To a gambling den! No, no, I don't gamble. I'll just stay the night."

Understanding his apprehension, Shwetara smiled softly and said, 'I am not a bandit or a smuggler even though I run a gambling club. I am not inviting you there to gamble. You are in danger, so I made the offer. You can spend the night in your boat but it may not be safe for you. Especially when you are a merchant and come back from business, it is conceivable for any man that you will have wealth. People's lives are lost here for a few silver coins, worth far less than that one ring on your hand. There is no rule of law, no place to complain, no watchdog to protect the public. Whoever has power, weapons can kill any person, loot women or money. Now think about what you will decide?'

On hearing Shvettara's talk, the merchant Raivatak said, 'I had heard a little about it. That is why seafaring merchants do not take the path of Bhagirathi. But it was not known that the matter was really so terrible.'

"Yes," said the white stars, "darkness reigns here even during the day." People say - Matsanyaya.

The merchant seemed to think for a moment about his present predicament, then said to Shwetara, “How far is your house? Can come have a look?

Shvetara said, close. Look, over the top of that tree, the bite of my Bartica's top country is visible. Of course you can come and see.'

The merchant Raivatak with two companions left for Shvettara's palace along with Shvettara and Kashyap. Everyone entered Shvettara's house in no time. The Whites entertained Raivatak with curds and cakes. A palace-like palace in White Star for the overnight stay of wealthy gamblers. There is It was shown to the merchant. The merchant agreed to Shvettara's proposal as the room was surrounded by walls, guarded by guards, and looked safe and reliable as a residence. He himself said that at the end of the week he would pay ten silver coins to stay in Batika.