‘Gulabiya’ is an alternative imagination of personal rebellion against caste and patriarchy

Angika, spoken by millions across Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, is yet to be recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. But now, regardless of its official status, English-language readers have a reason to celebrate. Abha Purbey’s novella, Gulabiya, translated by Tejaswi Rawal and Shivangi, is the first full-length work of fiction to be translated from the language.

First published in 2008, Purbey’s novella, even today, is bold in its defiance of the established social order. In the Author’s Note, Purbey writes about the inspiration behind her heroine, Gulabiya – a young farm labourer in Bihar’s Semapur, no older than 14 or 15, who was always “hopping and chirping”, and had eloped with her lover in the dead of the night after having been married off to another man against her wishes.

Purbey’s real-life inspiration cuts through the heart – a young woman’s immense courage to pursue freedom and love, despite enduring terrible abuse.

Dreams of love

The 80-page novella – a mighty dynamite despite its brief length – reads like a fable of a young man and a woman who rewrote their destinies.

Balesar and Gulabiya, poor, hardworking farm labourers, are in love. Balesar is promoted to Seth Patel Singh’s manager, jeopardising his bond with the other labourers...

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