Professor Shanku is an imaginary scientist in Bengali Literature created by Satyajit Ray. There is a series of stories and novels of Professor Shanku that has been a part of Bengali culture for years. The name Shanku is class-less, as viewed by the rules of Bengali Hindu society. His full name is Trilokeshwar Shanku, and is a scientist by profession.

Professor Shanku, at the age of 15, passed matriculation examination of the University of Calcutta. Then, a year later, he received his BSc degree with honours in two subjects, Physics and Chemistry. At the age of 20, he joined the Scottish Church College in Calcutta as a professor of Physics. Professor Shanku is a multilingual person who knows 69 languages. His pet cat, `Newton`, is 24 years old. Satyajit Ray, by his own admission, had based Prof. Shonku on Professor Challenger, by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Character of Professor Shanku
The real name of Professor Shanku is Trilokeshwar Shanku. He lives in Giridih beside the river Usri. He has a male-servant named Prahllad and a cat named Newton living in the house. In his story "The Astronaut`s Diary" (Byomjatrir diary) Ray introduced Professor Shonku, the protagonist of his science-fiction stories.

Other Characters Associated With Professor Shanku
Abinash Chatterjee is the friend and neighbour of Professor Shanku who is completely non-scientific and someone who never appreciates the magnitude of Shonku`s scientific breakthroughs, because of his little knowledge and rather finds it insignificant.

Nakur Chandra Biswas is a character in the Shanku stories who has the power to predict the future.

Jeremy Saunder is a scientist from Britain who lives in London.

Wilhelm Krol is also a scientist from Germany who has keen interest in paranormal activities.

Prohlad is Shonku`s trusted servant and housekeeper for a long time.

Newton happens to be Shonku`s long time pet cat

Inventions Professor Shanku
Professor Shanku is a capable scientist whose inventions have been unique and extraordinary speaking volumes about the capability of the man.

Miracurall - This is a drug tablet that treats any sickness except common cold. The name is an abbreviated form of Miracle Cure for All Ailments.
Annihillin - A pistol competent of vanishing anything that is living.... discovered because Shonku does not like bloodshed.
Shankoplane - A small hovercraft made using anti-gravity technical equipment, proficient of upright take-off and landing and splendid mileage.
Shankovite - This is an anti-gravity alloy which is used to make Shankoplane.
Omniscope - This is a blend of microscope and telescope, which looks like spectacles.
Air-conditioning pill - This is a tablet kept in shirt pocket to keep the body temperature normal in extreme climatic conditions.
Somnolin - This is a sleeping pill that works in almost any condition.