Gaban (the stolen jewels)

Ramanath, the morally weak but physically charming son of a poor but honest government clerk in Allahabad, marries the beautiful Jalpa, whose passion for jewellery involves him in increasingly complex financial and personal relationships, eventually leading to his apparent disgrace, and his flight from home. Shocked into the renunciation of all her finery, Jalpa discovers Ramanath's whereabouts, only to learn that he has become the willing tool of the Calcutta police, who are bent on implicating innocent people to successfully conclude an unsolved robbery case. Her courageous appeals to his better nature finally bring about his redemption and their reunion.

Gaban gives us a fascinating glimpse of north Indian society, and especially of the author's own Kayasth community. The novel also serves to put forth his own deeply-held views of the ills of that society.

About the Author:

Premchand (1880-1936) is a pioneering figure in modern Hindi literature. Today, his novels and short stories have attained the status of classics.

Christopher R. King was Associate Professor of History and Communication Studies at the University of Windsor, Canada.

Experts from Reviews:

'[This] translation, while faithful to the spirit and meaning of the original, is immensely readable… .'

-The Book Review

'Finely produced, this book is a collector's delight.'

-Indian Express

'King's translation…captures the social milieu detailed by Premchand… .'

-Indian Review of Books

Introduction

GABAN

Glossary