Question

Character sketch of Bhusan Shah from 'The Lost Jewel'.

Answer 1

Bhusan Shah as he is introduced as a fine gentleman, is too sober in his ways, an idealistic person indeed. He loved his wife from the deepest core of his heart which alas was not reciprocated. Bhusan was excessively possessive of Mani and altogether too submissive. he was a man that scarcely belonged to the century in which he was born.  Thus Bhusan was a misfit in the society and Mani his wife was totally obverse of what he was. Mani was exceptionally beautiful. She had not lost an atom of her youthful beauty.Although being such a gifted woman she was an utter failure in her life. She had no children to look after save her jewellery which grew from year to year as though it were her very children! Feeding religious mendicants was not her way. She never gave any alms nor did she mix much with the neighbours. All that she cared for in her life was the jewellery that her husband foolishly have her thinking that the way to get is to give. Ups and downs is the way of the business. Bushan being a businessman was in a need of a Lakh and a half. The core of this matter, he in the most hesitating manner broached to his wife Mani. True love is ever-ready to sacrifice even the most valuable possession to bring a grin on the face of his/her beloved. But Mani instead of helping her husband in his period of hardships flatly refused him even of the slightest aid. Bhusan even then was so stuffed with loft morals that he didn't jeer at her. There was not a trace of barbaric nature in him. He at a length hired the requisite sum from Calcutta. But in the interim Mani had flown on the advice of his sloppy brother Modhu to her father's place. Bhusan upon returning from Calcutta was grief stricken not finding Mani around. The area in vicinity was ransacked but neither Modhu nor Mani were to be found. Thus day upon day he sulked and returned to a dream world which eventually severed his soul from his body. Such was the tragic end of the story said that narrator which of course was a bluff as the man to which he was telling was himself none other Bhusan Shah. Nonetheless Bhusan was a very delicate and sober man in contrast to the shrewd, possessive Mani. This story teaches us many lessons. Firstly avarice is the root cause of all evil. Also the story ran around and emphasized on the need of 'Balance in a relationship.' Furthermore possessiveness and obsession of all kinds leads us to hell. All of these noble ideals finely interwoven in a succulent banquet is what Lost Jewels is!

Answer 2

Bhusan Saha was a very educated and modernised man. He was proper gentle man and also very rich as he inherited a large property and the business of his uncle. He spoke fluent English and conversed with the Britishers without any difficulty. He was so westernised that he entered the sahibs' offices with his shoes on.

"The unfortunate Bhusan had been turned out of the machine of modern civilization an absolutely faultless man. He was therefore neither successful in business nor in his own home."

      He  had a beautiful wife. His ways of living were unnecessarily extravagant. And so were his gifts for his wife Mani (Nitya Kali ). He was too gentle and never said a bitter word to her. He bought her jewels and Dacca muslin saris even without her asking for them, as he thought that to be the best way to potray his love for her.

"She used to get her caresses without asking, her Dacca muslin saris without tears, and her bangles without being able to pride herself on a victory. In this way her woman's nature became atrophied, and with it her love for her husband. She simply accepted things without giving anything in return."

         Later in the story we see Bhusan Saha in great trouble and need of money. He goes to his wife and asks gently if she could lend him her jewels for sometime. She denied. Even though he was hurt , he didn't shout at her for not being a dutiful wife. He didn't even bother to ask her twice.

"He was incapable of returning the hurt back"

      Mani, having lost faith in him, runs away from the house along with her Jewels, on advice of her cousin Modhu. On hearing this, instead of being angry,Bhushan was only distressed. He blamed himself and thought himself to be incapable of acquiring his wife's trust.

      When Bhusan had at last got the required loan, and was returning home, he had expected her to have returned back. He was returning home hoping his wife to feel guilty and yet in his heart he had already forgiven her.

      But she was nowhere to be found. The steward tells him he should learn where his mistress is, so inquiries are made, but Mani and Modhu are nowhere to be found. He was heartbroken and lived more like a lifeless object hoping and praying that she would return. Near the end of the story he allows his subconsciousness to be carried closer to his lost wife Mani.