Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Gulabiya: A Bold Tale of Love and Rebellion
Gulabiya is a short story about two poor farm workers, Gulabiya and Balesar, who fall in love in a small village in Bihar, India.
They face many problems because of their love, including being controlled by their boss and needing money to start their own farm.
Even though they try hard, powerful people in the village stop them from succeeding.
Gulabiya is very brave and stands up for herself, showing that love and freedom are more important than following old rules.
The story is special because it is the first book from the Angika language to be translated into English, and it teaches us about fighting for what you believe in.
Gulabiya is the first full-length work of fiction translated from Angika to English.
The novella tells the story of Gulabiya and Balesar, poor farm labourers in Bihar, who fall in love and face societal and economic challenges.
Gulabiya's bravery and self-belief drive the narrative, challenging traditional notions of women in distress.
The story explores themes of love, freedom, and rebellion against caste and patriarchy.
The translation retains several Angika words and phrases, highlighting a distinct regional culture.
- Who
- Gulabiya and Balesar, poor farm labourers in Bihar
- What
- A novella about their love, struggles, and rebellion against societal norms
- When
- Originally published in 2008, recently translated to English
- Where
- Set in Bihar's Semapur and Kosi region
- Why
- To tell a story of personal rebellion against caste and patriarchy
- Author
- Abha Purbey
- Original Language
- Angika
- Translators
- Tejaswi Rawal and Shivangi
- Publisher
- Hachette India
- Publication Year
- 2008
- Setting
- Bihar's Semapur and Kosi region
- Main Characters
- Gulabiya and Balesar
- Length
- 80 pages