With a heady mix of history, mystery and good old detective work, The Secret of the Palamu Fort is a novel for all ages. Author Dr Razi Ahmed speaks to The Daily Guardian about his inspiration for writing the thriller and setting the plot and characters against the overlooked history of Jharkhand.
Q. With its references to the Palamu fort and the Chero dynasty, the novel brings forth the relatively unexplored history of Jharkhand. Tell us more about your decision to base your novel in this place.
A. One winter morning, I visited the Palamu Fort and, after seeing the ruins in all their magnificence, half-covered in fog in the dense forests of Palamu, I was really intrigued by it. When I read more about the history of the place, I wondered why anyone had not explored it yet and why nothing has been written about it in popular fiction. It has an amazing history associated with it and I felt that it was a story which needed to be told.
When we talk about forts and kingdoms, Rajasthan comes to our minds, but there are many other places in our country which are really unexplored. Jharkhand has such an interesting and scintillating history: it has seen Mughal attacks and British invasions, and has a history of the longest-running resistance against British rule. So, I decided to bring this history to mainstream Indian literature. I wanted more people to know about this hidden jewel of India.
Q. How was the research process for The Secret of the Palamu Fort?
A. It was really extensive. I read any books that I could find about Palamu, Raja Medini Ray and the Chero dynasty that ruled over this place. I had to consult with many history scholars for the accuracy of the events that happened here because I wanted it to be historically accurate and it is difficult to find an authentic written history about it. I also met many local people from this region to learn about the folklore associated with the Chero dynasty, especially with Raja Medini Ray. It was really fun and a complete learning experience.
Q. You have called the book a “humble tribute to Satyajit Ray”. In what ways has he been an inspiration to you?
A. I have loved Satyajit Ray sir since my childhood. His stories have been a part of my life as I grew up. Be it his simple yet hard-hitting stories about our society or his world of fantasy and mystery with aliens, Prof Shonku and Feluda—I have loved them all with all my heart. The kid inside me is still following him and he keeps inspiring me with everything he had accomplished. He was truly a man ahead of his time. I always say that I feel like I am a ‘horcrux’ he never intended to make!
Q. While creating your protagonist, Robin Horo, did you refer to any other literary detectives?
A. I have grown up on a staple diet of Sherlock Holmes, Feluda, Hercule Poirot and Byomkesh Bakshi. So, of course, I had these legends in mind. I think all these super sleuths had already created Robin Horo in my subconscious mind and I just did the work of bringing him out in ink! But Robin Horo does have a different personality. He is a young man of modern times. He was born and grew up in Jharkhand and carries the sensibilities and culture of this place. He is a well-trained martial artist and he loves tea—a trait that I share with him! And there is a lot about Robin Horo that readers would get to know in the subsequent books.
Q. The book is a mix of detective fiction and historical fiction, with a ghost involved! What interested you in these genres of writing?
A. It is said that if you can’t find a book you want to read, write it! So, that’s what I did. I loved history when I was in school and I have always liked reading books on mystery and horror. I even have a small library at my home with a little over 700 books. I believe mystery, history and horror are powerful elements and make for an extremely entertaining mixture.
In my subsequent books, I will also introduce the topic of witchcraft and dark magic that is practised in many parts of our country, including in Jharkhand, and try to bust these myths through science and a rational approach. It is really sad that even in the 21st century, the lives of many people are affected adversely by these superstitions.
Q. What are you writing next?
A. I am working on two books at present. One is the second case of Detective Robin Horo and the other is a Sci-Fi story, and both are set in Jharkhand.
I am also working on a non-fiction book, based on my experiences as a doctor at a time when people are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. These times have taught me a lot about how people behave with each other in hours of crisis. But all things apart, I would like to end the book with the thought that “no matter how dark the night is, it cannot ever keep the sun from rising.”