The Beetle and the Silken Thread
In a town near the confluence of the Ganges and Jumna rivers, a selfish and hot-tempered Raja named Surya Pratap rules with an iron fist, punishing anyone who defies him. His chief vizier, Dhairya-Sila, known for his patience and wisdom, is deeply respected by the people but faces jealousy from others. One day, the Raja commands Dhairya-Sila to perform a shameful act, which he refuses, leading to his imprisonment in a tower without food or water. Dhairya-Sila's devoted wife, Buddhi-Mati, sensing something is wrong when he does not return home, sets out to find him. Upon discovering his fate, she sneaks to the tower at midnight, where Dhairya-Sila instructs her to gather specific items: a beetle, various threads, and a drop of honey. He devises a plan to escape using these items, believing in their potential to aid his rescue. Buddhi-Mati diligently collects the items and returns to the tower. Following her husband's instructions, she ties the silken thread to the beetle, which is attracted to the honey. As the beetle climbs, she carefully unwinds the thread, allowing Dhairya-Sila to pull it up. He then uses the cotton thread and twine to create a means of descent, ultimately escaping the tower with the help of a strong rope. Once reunited, the couple expresses gratitude to their deity for the miraculous escape. Dhairya-Sila insists on returning the beetle to its home, demonstrating his respect for the creature that played a crucial role in his rescue. They keep his escape a secret, fearing the Raja's wrath. Meanwhile, Surya Pratap, unaware of Dhairya-Sila's return, feels guilty for his actions. When Dhairya-Sila eventually appears at the palace, he fabricates a story about being rescued by an eagle, fearing the Raja's reaction to the truth. The Raja, believing in the miracle, reinstates Dhairya-Sila as his vizier, who becomes increasingly powerful and wealthy. Despite his success, Dhairya-Sila is haunted by his lie, while Buddhi-Mati wishes to reveal the truth about the beetle's role in his escape. Eventually, the secret is revealed, but by then, Dhairya-Sila's influence is so strong that he remains unscathed. His legacy continues through his son, who inherits his position, ensuring the family's prominence in the kingdom.
By S.M. Mitra · First published 2021 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore · 7 chapters · 2,861 words
First lines
The strange adventures related in the story of the Beetle and the Silken Thread took place in the town of Allahabad, "the City of God," so called because it is situated near the point of meeting of the two sacred rivers of India, the Ganges, which the Hindus lovingly call Mother Ganga because they believe its waters can wash away their sins, and the Jumna, which they consider scarcely less holy.
What this Textopian page supports
The Beetle and the Silken Thread is listed on Textopian as a short story by S.M. Mitra, dated 2021 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: S.M. Mitra
- Date: 2021 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Drama, Romance
- Length: 2,861 words
- Structure: 7 chapters, 25 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Beetle and the Silken Thread by S.M. Mitra
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements, such as the clever use of a beetle and silk thread for escape, which are characteristic of fantasy.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around the adventurous escape of Dhairya-Sila from a tower, driven by the actions of his wife.
- Folklore — The narrative structure and moral lessons reflect traditional folklore elements, common in stories passed down through generations.
- Drama — The story contains intense emotional conflicts, particularly between the Raja and Dhairya-Sila, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Thriller · Romance · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Social Commentary · Cultural Identity · Family Drama