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Phoolsunghi
'Babu Sahib! You must have heard of a phoolsunghi--the flower-pecker--yes? It can never be held captive in a cage. It sucks nectar from a flower and then flies on to the next.'
When Dhelabai, the most popular tawaif of Muzaffarpur, slights Babu Haliwant Sahay, a powerful zamindar from Chappra, he resolves to build a cage that would trap her forever. Thus, the elusive phoolsunghi is trapped within the four walls of the Red Mansion.
Forgetting the past, Dhelabai begins a new life of luxury, comfort, and respect. One day, she hears the soulful voice of Mahendra Misir and loses her heart to him. Mahendra too, feels for her deeply, but the lovers must bear the brunt of circumstances and their own actions which repeatedly pull them apart.
The first ever translation of a Bhojpuri novel into English, Phoolsunghi transports readers to a forgotten world filled with mujras and mehfils, court cases and counterfeit currency, and the crashing waves of the River Saryu.
When Dhelabai, the most popular tawaif of Muzaffarpur, slights Babu Haliwant Sahay, a powerful zamindar from Chappra, he resolves to build a cage that would trap her forever. Thus, the elusive phoolsunghi is trapped within the four walls of the Red Mansion.
Forgetting the past, Dhelabai begins a new life of luxury, comfort, and respect. One day, she hears the soulful voice of Mahendra Misir and loses her heart to him. Mahendra too, feels for her deeply, but the lovers must bear the brunt of circumstances and their own actions which repeatedly pull them apart.
The first ever translation of a Bhojpuri novel into English, Phoolsunghi transports readers to a forgotten world filled with mujras and mehfils, court cases and counterfeit currency, and the crashing waves of the River Saryu.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
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263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 23, 2021
Translation well done I would say!
*Themes handled in the plot:
Complicated adult relationships, social status and culture, luxury and necessity, fraud and trust issues, will and determination
*The writing:
One of the best translated fiction. Published first in 1977, translated for the first time in 2020. The writing becomes really good towards the end.
*The characters:
The story is just not about a main character but about 5-6 different characters who are equally important and whose presence can be felt throughout the read.
*The plot:
A historical fiction during which the rich and the prominent would relax and enjoy with mehfils (courtesan dances), mehfils (gatherings) and such. Dhelabai, the most popular courtesan, gets kidnapped amidst one such marriage ceremony and things changed drastically for her as well as for the one who kept her as a caged bird. Amidst came along Mahender Mihir, the most genuine character in the story, and the fraud, Prakash, who would mess up their lives more.
The character development of each of these characters is so well done.
The story gets almost tragic in the end.
However, I was less impressed with how the strong female characters just accepted everything with a smile until the end.
*Themes handled in the plot:
Complicated adult relationships, social status and culture, luxury and necessity, fraud and trust issues, will and determination
*The writing:
One of the best translated fiction. Published first in 1977, translated for the first time in 2020. The writing becomes really good towards the end.
*The characters:
The story is just not about a main character but about 5-6 different characters who are equally important and whose presence can be felt throughout the read.
*The plot:
A historical fiction during which the rich and the prominent would relax and enjoy with mehfils (courtesan dances), mehfils (gatherings) and such. Dhelabai, the most popular courtesan, gets kidnapped amidst one such marriage ceremony and things changed drastically for her as well as for the one who kept her as a caged bird. Amidst came along Mahender Mihir, the most genuine character in the story, and the fraud, Prakash, who would mess up their lives more.
The character development of each of these characters is so well done.
The story gets almost tragic in the end.
However, I was less impressed with how the strong female characters just accepted everything with a smile until the end.
June 24, 2021
✨PHOOLSUNGHI by Pandey Kapil✨, translated from bhojpuri by Gautam Choubey, captures both the landscape and the people inhabiting it through a panoramic as well as an intimate portrayal of their character arc and growth.
Dhelabai, locked in her cage which has been crafted delicately by Babu Haliwant Sahay pines for freedom. Eventually she falls for a musician Mahendra Misir, a twist that is enhanced by multiple characters playing various roles, which future accentuates the social strata and beliefs of that time.
✨Phoolsunghi✨ comes alive with its vivid descriptions of Bihar, a land that is stereotyped and whose contribution to India still lies unacknowledged or forgotten. In the banks of the Ganga lies the Red Mansion, and in the heart of the mansion lies out Phoolsungi- Dhelabai.
✨Phoolsungi✨, set during the British Raj, also shows the growth of people from commoners to the zamindar, without taking a political turn. The festivities of that time, the mehfil that was both extravagant and entertaining, the money that moved around, and the evil that inhabited the society - be it greed or envy, it's all in there. Told in a disjointed narrative, Kapil Chaubey nails the translation. Every aspect in this book comes alive with each page and being closely related to Bihar, I could feel the essence in there, intact as in the original manuscript.
🌿If you are looking for a powerful feminist twist, this might not be the book for you, but if you wanna visit the land in all its authentic beauty - ✨PHOOLSUNGHI✨ should be a part of your TBR.
Dhelabai, locked in her cage which has been crafted delicately by Babu Haliwant Sahay pines for freedom. Eventually she falls for a musician Mahendra Misir, a twist that is enhanced by multiple characters playing various roles, which future accentuates the social strata and beliefs of that time.
✨Phoolsunghi✨ comes alive with its vivid descriptions of Bihar, a land that is stereotyped and whose contribution to India still lies unacknowledged or forgotten. In the banks of the Ganga lies the Red Mansion, and in the heart of the mansion lies out Phoolsungi- Dhelabai.
✨Phoolsungi✨, set during the British Raj, also shows the growth of people from commoners to the zamindar, without taking a political turn. The festivities of that time, the mehfil that was both extravagant and entertaining, the money that moved around, and the evil that inhabited the society - be it greed or envy, it's all in there. Told in a disjointed narrative, Kapil Chaubey nails the translation. Every aspect in this book comes alive with each page and being closely related to Bihar, I could feel the essence in there, intact as in the original manuscript.
🌿If you are looking for a powerful feminist twist, this might not be the book for you, but if you wanna visit the land in all its authentic beauty - ✨PHOOLSUNGHI✨ should be a part of your TBR.
May 7, 2022
plotty, short and well paced - and oooo, the drama! more thoughts soon, but this is all i have to say for now.
January 10, 2024
In the heart-wrenching saga set in colonial India, characters across generations grapple with their inner turmoil, seeking solace within themselves. Amidst the rise & ruin of fortunes, some find the embrace of desired love, while others are left yearning in solitude, their hearts unfulfilled.
June 11, 2021
Allow me to tell you a story of a place, years old yet so vivid in the memories.
Aug, 1987 Bharat Coffee House, Patna.
That day, table no. 7 was especially reserved for some highly revered guests.
This house, located in Fraser Road, had grown from serving tea and delicious cutlets to providing a phenomenal 'adda' for Patnaites.
During summers, under the open roof, enlightened citizens would gather and exchange thier ideas or simply reminisce their old days. "Those were the days!"
Besides, with growing fame of the house, many eminent personalities - writers, politicians, journalists also started coming and spending some sweet time. Insightful gossips over hot sips of coffee or tea put all the pettiness of the world aside.
Slowly the house had become a culture of the city, and under this constant clash of cutlery and murmurs one could easily hear the sound of jubilance.
Alok Kumar, revered novelist of Bhojpuri literature, arrived very late. Manoj and Dwedi, two prominent playwrights from Bihar, were already sitting on Table 7, greeted 'Alok ji' with Namaste.
“Has this boy come with you, Alok ji?” Dwedi asked with curiosity and much amusement afterall, this was the first time Alok ji had brought someone with him.
The boy, in his mid 19s, suddenly grew very shy.
“Sorry gentlemen, he's Gopal from Muzaffarpur. Yesterday he came to my convention and showed me his wonderful poetries on Bihar.”
“I can't wait to introduce you to him, Dwedi ji”
Gopal was inspired by the Chhayavad era and devoted himself to write about the land where he flourished.
Dwedi was so keen to read Gopal's poetry but his desire was intervened by Manoj's tantrums for their next play, “We're not able to construct any suitable protagonist for our next play this time. We wanted our play to depict the condition of women in Bhojpuri society.”
“But I've heard that you both were working on the problems of migration and poverty. Uska kya hua?” Alok ji asked quite surprisingly.
“Are nahi, Maharaj! That grew even impossible for us.” Manoj said.
“Aur ye research wagerah hamse na ho payega!” said both in unison.
“You must write about the extremely heated political scenario” with this innuendo from Alok ji, the three burst out laughing.
After a short delightful moment, Dwedi then politely asked Gopal to sing his poetry.
Alok ji tapped twice on his shoulder with almost pride and Gopal stood up with his paper and started singing.
ओ चिरैया तू उड़ी मत जयिहा,
तोरा से करेके एक बात
ओ चिरैया तू उड़ी मत जयिहा,
बताब कैसन लगलो हमर गांव देहात...
Gopal's sweet melody filled the air with the butterflies that carried 𝘩𝘪𝘴 enchanting voice to everywhere. The house uplifted and filled with blissful emotions.
After completing the song, Gopal's eyes fastened on a vendor selling varities of birds on street. He vowed to himself.
“One day I'll have enough money to buy all the cages and free all the birds held in captive.”
...
Beyond the boundaries of opinions, views and subjective evaluations, an emotional tie between you and your land, its people, its language, its literature exist. Read this book, deftly translated from Bhojpuri into English, to know more about Bihar, its culture and Bhojpuri literature.
English translation of the above mentioned poetry:
O beloved bird,
Promise to not return to your nest, I would forever embrace
O beloved bird,
Grant me a talk and tell, how you find my place...
Aug, 1987 Bharat Coffee House, Patna.
That day, table no. 7 was especially reserved for some highly revered guests.
This house, located in Fraser Road, had grown from serving tea and delicious cutlets to providing a phenomenal 'adda' for Patnaites.
During summers, under the open roof, enlightened citizens would gather and exchange thier ideas or simply reminisce their old days. "Those were the days!"
Besides, with growing fame of the house, many eminent personalities - writers, politicians, journalists also started coming and spending some sweet time. Insightful gossips over hot sips of coffee or tea put all the pettiness of the world aside.
Slowly the house had become a culture of the city, and under this constant clash of cutlery and murmurs one could easily hear the sound of jubilance.
Alok Kumar, revered novelist of Bhojpuri literature, arrived very late. Manoj and Dwedi, two prominent playwrights from Bihar, were already sitting on Table 7, greeted 'Alok ji' with Namaste.
“Has this boy come with you, Alok ji?” Dwedi asked with curiosity and much amusement afterall, this was the first time Alok ji had brought someone with him.
The boy, in his mid 19s, suddenly grew very shy.
“Sorry gentlemen, he's Gopal from Muzaffarpur. Yesterday he came to my convention and showed me his wonderful poetries on Bihar.”
“I can't wait to introduce you to him, Dwedi ji”
Gopal was inspired by the Chhayavad era and devoted himself to write about the land where he flourished.
Dwedi was so keen to read Gopal's poetry but his desire was intervened by Manoj's tantrums for their next play, “We're not able to construct any suitable protagonist for our next play this time. We wanted our play to depict the condition of women in Bhojpuri society.”
“But I've heard that you both were working on the problems of migration and poverty. Uska kya hua?” Alok ji asked quite surprisingly.
“Are nahi, Maharaj! That grew even impossible for us.” Manoj said.
“Aur ye research wagerah hamse na ho payega!” said both in unison.
“You must write about the extremely heated political scenario” with this innuendo from Alok ji, the three burst out laughing.
After a short delightful moment, Dwedi then politely asked Gopal to sing his poetry.
Alok ji tapped twice on his shoulder with almost pride and Gopal stood up with his paper and started singing.
ओ चिरैया तू उड़ी मत जयिहा,
तोरा से करेके एक बात
ओ चिरैया तू उड़ी मत जयिहा,
बताब कैसन लगलो हमर गांव देहात...
Gopal's sweet melody filled the air with the butterflies that carried 𝘩𝘪𝘴 enchanting voice to everywhere. The house uplifted and filled with blissful emotions.
After completing the song, Gopal's eyes fastened on a vendor selling varities of birds on street. He vowed to himself.
“One day I'll have enough money to buy all the cages and free all the birds held in captive.”
...
Beyond the boundaries of opinions, views and subjective evaluations, an emotional tie between you and your land, its people, its language, its literature exist. Read this book, deftly translated from Bhojpuri into English, to know more about Bihar, its culture and Bhojpuri literature.
English translation of the above mentioned poetry:
O beloved bird,
Promise to not return to your nest, I would forever embrace
O beloved bird,
Grant me a talk and tell, how you find my place...
October 2, 2021
"We are obligated to live our lives. And to discharge this obligation, we are expected to take up daily battles. Those who fail this sacred duty are doomed to die a thousand deaths."
Reading this book was a solace. But it left a void inside, which I'm incapable of expressing through words!
Phoolsunghi, a Bhojpuri historical novel was written by Pandey Kapil, translated to english by Gautam Choubey. The novel is taking place in colonial India. Haliwant Sahay, a zamindar in Chhapra abducts Dhelabai, a harlot, after felling love with the charm in music and elegance in dancing. Later she became his only intoxicant. Then Dhelabai met Mahendar, a poet and singer. His magical voice took out sorrow in Dhelabai and filled her empty heart. She eventually fell in love with him. Years after Sahay went for a lone life keeping Lord Ram as his faith. He bequeathed half of his property to Dhelabai and the other half to his relatives which resulted in disputes and dramatic incidents. Later offended Mahendar absconder the mansion resulted in estrangement between him and Dhelabai.
Scrupulous and phenomenal writing adorned this novel along with it's cover. Greed always bring harm, words are flaccid and sharper than sword, think twice before you speak, never trust anyone blindly are some morals the novel convey.
Read it if you want to experience a life which is completely fictional now and was real ages ago!
Reading this book was a solace. But it left a void inside, which I'm incapable of expressing through words!
Phoolsunghi, a Bhojpuri historical novel was written by Pandey Kapil, translated to english by Gautam Choubey. The novel is taking place in colonial India. Haliwant Sahay, a zamindar in Chhapra abducts Dhelabai, a harlot, after felling love with the charm in music and elegance in dancing. Later she became his only intoxicant. Then Dhelabai met Mahendar, a poet and singer. His magical voice took out sorrow in Dhelabai and filled her empty heart. She eventually fell in love with him. Years after Sahay went for a lone life keeping Lord Ram as his faith. He bequeathed half of his property to Dhelabai and the other half to his relatives which resulted in disputes and dramatic incidents. Later offended Mahendar absconder the mansion resulted in estrangement between him and Dhelabai.
Scrupulous and phenomenal writing adorned this novel along with it's cover. Greed always bring harm, words are flaccid and sharper than sword, think twice before you speak, never trust anyone blindly are some morals the novel convey.
Read it if you want to experience a life which is completely fictional now and was real ages ago!
January 7, 2021
A Bhojpuri story of romance, suffering and loss, Phoolsungi was an unusual read. Initially I was drawn in by magical descriptions of fireflies and quiet villages (slightly remniscient of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Columbian towns). The personification of the Saryu river seemed to call me to Chhapra, Bihar.
However as the story picked up pace, I began to lose interest and found the writing to be repetitive and dreary. Kapil has put together loosely connected, ill-fitting characters and events that are too fleeting to appreciate.
I was truly willing myself to like this book since it is a huge step forward for Bhojpuri literature. But the story lacked depth and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Perhaps the emotions were lost in translation?
Although an overall disappointing read, I am still very much looking forward to diving further into Bhojpuri writing and lyrical Bihar.
However as the story picked up pace, I began to lose interest and found the writing to be repetitive and dreary. Kapil has put together loosely connected, ill-fitting characters and events that are too fleeting to appreciate.
I was truly willing myself to like this book since it is a huge step forward for Bhojpuri literature. But the story lacked depth and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Perhaps the emotions were lost in translation?
Although an overall disappointing read, I am still very much looking forward to diving further into Bhojpuri writing and lyrical Bihar.
September 14, 2023
A good yarn but marred by a rather pedestrian translation - doesn't really capture the ethos and atmosphere of the period
March 10, 2021
Phoolsunghi by Pandey Kapil translated from Bhojpuri to English by Gautam Choubey.
Genre - Historical Fiction , Historical Romance
⭐⭐⭐
Phoolsunghi means a flowerpecker , a bird that can never be held captive in the cage because if it is , it loses liveliness and withers away quickly. This theme will show up repetitively in the book. Weather it's the physical cage built by Babu Haliwant Sahay for the famous tawaif - Dhelabai or the or metaphorical cage of her being locked away from the world of music or other characters being locked in cages of gender, morality and wealth.
This is the first ever Bhojpuri book to be translated to English. Although , classified as fiction the characters are very real. The story revolves around the life and career of a celebrated Bhojpuri folk poet Mahinder Misar and the famous singer Dhelabai.
This book will transport you to the times of "mehfils" . The story enunciates poetry, love for music and the magic of love and heartbreaks. Set in the time of opium trade and colonialism, it still has the ability to enchant and entice you with its magic.
Read this book if you would like to time travel to times that were simpler and yet so different
Genre - Historical Fiction , Historical Romance
⭐⭐⭐
Phoolsunghi means a flowerpecker , a bird that can never be held captive in the cage because if it is , it loses liveliness and withers away quickly. This theme will show up repetitively in the book. Weather it's the physical cage built by Babu Haliwant Sahay for the famous tawaif - Dhelabai or the or metaphorical cage of her being locked away from the world of music or other characters being locked in cages of gender, morality and wealth.
This is the first ever Bhojpuri book to be translated to English. Although , classified as fiction the characters are very real. The story revolves around the life and career of a celebrated Bhojpuri folk poet Mahinder Misar and the famous singer Dhelabai.
This book will transport you to the times of "mehfils" . The story enunciates poetry, love for music and the magic of love and heartbreaks. Set in the time of opium trade and colonialism, it still has the ability to enchant and entice you with its magic.
Read this book if you would like to time travel to times that were simpler and yet so different
April 29, 2021
Phoolsunghi, the first ever translation of bhojpuri novel into English. Originally written in Bhojpuri by Pandey Kapil and translated by Gautam Choubey.
Phoolsunghi, as the title describes, a flower pecker. It can never be held captive in a cage. It sucks nectar from a flower and flies on to the next.
Dhelabai or Gulzaribai, a tawaif(a courtesan accomplished in dance,music, poetry) from Muzaffarpur. She is compared to celestial nymphs like Menaka and Urvasi. She is described as the woman whose beauty can win the world,her voice as melodious as the cuckoo, her songs sounds as honey is poured on one's lips.
When Babu Haliwant Sahay, a powerful zamindar from Chhapra learnt about her beauty,he rushed to Muzaffarpur to witness it himself. Her seducive fragrance was all he could imagine after. He decided to build a golden cage to capture the Phoolsunghi and trap her there forever. But she refused to stay at on place and with one person,as a Phoolsunghi she was. Against her will, she was captured within the four walls of the Red mansion.
Forgetting everything,she started a new life with comfort and luxury. One day, her ears filled with the soulful voice of Mahendar Misir. She was filled with tremendous amount of joy free years and lost her heart to him. The feeling was mutual, as Misir ji felt the same for her. But the lovers were destined to suffer. When Gulzaribai sent for Mahendar,it was too late.
The story describes the beauty of Bihar. The same place Mata Sita grew up,the same soil where Samrata Ashoka once ruled. The flow of writing will never make you realise when you finished reading it. It maybe little difficult for beginners to understand few things. As for me,I learnt more about my state. I'm glad I picked this up!
Phoolsunghi, as the title describes, a flower pecker. It can never be held captive in a cage. It sucks nectar from a flower and flies on to the next.
Dhelabai or Gulzaribai, a tawaif(a courtesan accomplished in dance,music, poetry) from Muzaffarpur. She is compared to celestial nymphs like Menaka and Urvasi. She is described as the woman whose beauty can win the world,her voice as melodious as the cuckoo, her songs sounds as honey is poured on one's lips.
When Babu Haliwant Sahay, a powerful zamindar from Chhapra learnt about her beauty,he rushed to Muzaffarpur to witness it himself. Her seducive fragrance was all he could imagine after. He decided to build a golden cage to capture the Phoolsunghi and trap her there forever. But she refused to stay at on place and with one person,as a Phoolsunghi she was. Against her will, she was captured within the four walls of the Red mansion.
Forgetting everything,she started a new life with comfort and luxury. One day, her ears filled with the soulful voice of Mahendar Misir. She was filled with tremendous amount of joy free years and lost her heart to him. The feeling was mutual, as Misir ji felt the same for her. But the lovers were destined to suffer. When Gulzaribai sent for Mahendar,it was too late.
The story describes the beauty of Bihar. The same place Mata Sita grew up,the same soil where Samrata Ashoka once ruled. The flow of writing will never make you realise when you finished reading it. It maybe little difficult for beginners to understand few things. As for me,I learnt more about my state. I'm glad I picked this up!
January 18, 2021
My habit of "judging a book by it's cover" led me to this one and I am so glad it did. Phoolsunghi is a Bhojpuri Classic and probably the first one to be translated to English. Makes me wonder there are so many gems that remain hidden due to the barrier of language.
Phoolsunghi or Flowepecker, is a tiny bird known for its noisy bustle around flower plants. However, if trapped in a cage it loses its liveliness and withers away quickly.
Dhelabai, a courtesan is known far and wide for her beauty and graces. When Babu Haliwant Sahay hears about her, he wants to own her, primarily because she refused him due to his advanced age. Dhelabai , thinks of herself as a Phoolsunghi who can never be happy if caged. Haliwant Sahay gets her abducted and builds the most beautiful mansion . It is here that Dhelabai discovers abundance, loyalty, happiness and most of all respect , which she could have only hoped for in her previous life.
But is that all her heart desires? Does she feel caged or alive in that mansion? It is for the reader to decide.
.
.
.
Phoolsunghi or Flowepecker, is a tiny bird known for its noisy bustle around flower plants. However, if trapped in a cage it loses its liveliness and withers away quickly.
Dhelabai, a courtesan is known far and wide for her beauty and graces. When Babu Haliwant Sahay hears about her, he wants to own her, primarily because she refused him due to his advanced age. Dhelabai , thinks of herself as a Phoolsunghi who can never be happy if caged. Haliwant Sahay gets her abducted and builds the most beautiful mansion . It is here that Dhelabai discovers abundance, loyalty, happiness and most of all respect , which she could have only hoped for in her previous life.
But is that all her heart desires? Does she feel caged or alive in that mansion? It is for the reader to decide.
.
.
.
May 6, 2021
Admittedly I was drawn to the title and the beautiful cover of the book and hence picked it up.
Could see myself walking through the streets of Revelgunj, enjoying the warm sunsets by the river Sarayu - The story was immersive in its visual description and again, outstanding work on the translations! One can predict what the characters were thinking whilst empathising with them and the book also does a good job in narrating the story of the secondary characters, completing a beautiful arc for everyone.
But definitely the visual suit has to be the strongest point of the book, as one is transported into the world of havelis and mehfils.
Mahendra Mishra and Gulzaribai will remain in my memory for a long time:)
Could see myself walking through the streets of Revelgunj, enjoying the warm sunsets by the river Sarayu - The story was immersive in its visual description and again, outstanding work on the translations! One can predict what the characters were thinking whilst empathising with them and the book also does a good job in narrating the story of the secondary characters, completing a beautiful arc for everyone.
But definitely the visual suit has to be the strongest point of the book, as one is transported into the world of havelis and mehfils.
Mahendra Mishra and Gulzaribai will remain in my memory for a long time:)
August 31, 2025
Phoolsunghi, a bird that resists captivity becomes the soul of Pandey Kapil’s eponymously named novel, the first to be translated from Bhojpuri into English.
The story revolves around Dhelabai, once the most celebrated tawaif of Muzaffarpur. For years she has lived by her own terms, commanding respect from patrons and admirers alike.
“She was a queen among beauties and an unchallenged sovereign in the realm of music and dance. When the fingers of the accompanist moved briskly over the taut head of the tabla, her skirt swirled like a whirlpool in an ocean. And when mellifluous songs flowed from her lips, it seemed as if her throat was a flute upon which the wind was playing resonant tunes.”
But when she defies Babu Haliwant Sahay, a wealthy zamindar, he ensnares her in his Red Mansion, offering luxury and status in exchange for her freedom. For a while, Dhelabai accepts the trappings of wealth and comfort, yet her spirit yearns to be let out of that gilded cage. When she encounters the poet-singer Mahendra Misir, a man whose voice calls out to her, she starts feeling hopeful again. But in Kapil’s world, love is not enough to break the long established patriarchal structures of social expectation.
As the novel progresses, we see that it’s not just Dhelabai who is imprisoned. Every character inhabits a prison of some sort like class, gender, wealth, and their own ambitions. I remembered Virginia Woolf’s quote here - "The eyes of others our prisons; their thoughts our cages."
Apart from the memorable characters, the novel unfolds in a very atmospheric landscape alive with mehfils, and court intrigues, all set against the backdrop of the River Saryu. The setting is rich with descriptions of late 19th and early 20th century Bihar, of the society and its beliefs making it as much a social chronicle as it is a tragic romance.
I found Goutam Choubey’s translation quite smooth. I particularly liked how he adds an auditory element by writing out the sounds like this - Just then, the inn’s tower-clock struck one and its bell gonged, tann.” I’ve seen this literary device in very few books, and one that stands out in my memory is the translation of Ponniyin Selvan by Pavithra Srinivasan.
Phoolsunghi is more than a tale of romance gone awry, as you can see. It’s also a meditation on the misuse of power and possession, art and autonomy and it becomes more relevant when we see that some of the characters were based on real historical figures.
The story revolves around Dhelabai, once the most celebrated tawaif of Muzaffarpur. For years she has lived by her own terms, commanding respect from patrons and admirers alike.
“She was a queen among beauties and an unchallenged sovereign in the realm of music and dance. When the fingers of the accompanist moved briskly over the taut head of the tabla, her skirt swirled like a whirlpool in an ocean. And when mellifluous songs flowed from her lips, it seemed as if her throat was a flute upon which the wind was playing resonant tunes.”
But when she defies Babu Haliwant Sahay, a wealthy zamindar, he ensnares her in his Red Mansion, offering luxury and status in exchange for her freedom. For a while, Dhelabai accepts the trappings of wealth and comfort, yet her spirit yearns to be let out of that gilded cage. When she encounters the poet-singer Mahendra Misir, a man whose voice calls out to her, she starts feeling hopeful again. But in Kapil’s world, love is not enough to break the long established patriarchal structures of social expectation.
As the novel progresses, we see that it’s not just Dhelabai who is imprisoned. Every character inhabits a prison of some sort like class, gender, wealth, and their own ambitions. I remembered Virginia Woolf’s quote here - "The eyes of others our prisons; their thoughts our cages."
Apart from the memorable characters, the novel unfolds in a very atmospheric landscape alive with mehfils, and court intrigues, all set against the backdrop of the River Saryu. The setting is rich with descriptions of late 19th and early 20th century Bihar, of the society and its beliefs making it as much a social chronicle as it is a tragic romance.
I found Goutam Choubey’s translation quite smooth. I particularly liked how he adds an auditory element by writing out the sounds like this - Just then, the inn’s tower-clock struck one and its bell gonged, tann.” I’ve seen this literary device in very few books, and one that stands out in my memory is the translation of Ponniyin Selvan by Pavithra Srinivasan.
Phoolsunghi is more than a tale of romance gone awry, as you can see. It’s also a meditation on the misuse of power and possession, art and autonomy and it becomes more relevant when we see that some of the characters were based on real historical figures.
June 25, 2023
This one is about Dhelabai, the queen in the realm of music and dance. Phoolsungi captures the vivid beauty, charm and misticism of Gulzaribai fondly know as Dhelabai, Haliwant Sahay a powerful Zamindar from Chapra is seen devouring himself through his affections towards Dhelabai. He is bent on capturing Dhela in his golden cage as against her own desire of collecting nector from one flower to another like a Phoolsunghi(The flower pecker). This book by Pandey Kapil has been translated from the Bhojpuri by Gautam Choubey. The story is filled with the mention of abundant mehfils, sensational love ballads, carnivals of dance and music. There comes a point in the story when Gulzaribai is found to be enchanted by Mahendra Misr, his melodious voice found its way to strike her heart's strings in a way no one ever had before. This work is a heart melting saga which leads to a realisation that the hearts bound through selflessness radiate more warmth & belongingness, rather than the ones bound by blood and dutifulness. Reading it made me feel the Phoolsunghi's pain, her longingness for home, her transversal into someone who longs for stability and finds her way into the brutal world under the calming shade of Champak Tree beyond forever. Completely recommendable, a beautiful work of fiction.
November 4, 2024
This is the English translation of an originally Bhojpuri novel and manages to create powerful and vivid images of the world it is set in, colonial-era Bihar. This is said to be the first translation of a Bhojpuri novel into English. Incidentally, Bhojpuri is spoken by over 50 million people and might be more global than Hindi, having travelled to far-off places like Suriname, West Indies and Mauritius with the agricultural labour exported by the British to these places. Hindi speakers like me like to believe we can follow Bhojpuri, but it is a distinct language.
The novel is probably set in the mid to late 19th century as there are references to the "sepoy mutiny" which happened in 1857. It creates a world that my generation perhaps has some familiarity with during childhood, but has increasingly become distant and dreamlike.
Even though it is in English, the novel creates a world somewhat similar to that of the Hindi novels of a previous generation, like those of Munshi Premchand; rural life, setting in modern-day East UP or Bihar, some period during the colonial era, Banaras, Calcutta, etc. To that extent, the impact it has left is that of a Hindi book; a somewhat poetic, hazy longing for a way of life long consigned to history. And that, I think, is the power of this book. In the end, when it finished, it seemed too short.
The novel is probably set in the mid to late 19th century as there are references to the "sepoy mutiny" which happened in 1857. It creates a world that my generation perhaps has some familiarity with during childhood, but has increasingly become distant and dreamlike.
Even though it is in English, the novel creates a world somewhat similar to that of the Hindi novels of a previous generation, like those of Munshi Premchand; rural life, setting in modern-day East UP or Bihar, some period during the colonial era, Banaras, Calcutta, etc. To that extent, the impact it has left is that of a Hindi book; a somewhat poetic, hazy longing for a way of life long consigned to history. And that, I think, is the power of this book. In the end, when it finished, it seemed too short.
December 31, 2024
The reading goes quickly. The story is a cross between a set of fables and the drama of a Indian film -- minus the limits of each. The fables get a long treatment and we get pathos without bathos.
It was fun. And it transports you to a different time and place. I am not sure the novel is trying to make a point. But perhaps this is what gives its texture the air and suppleness needed to carry the reader away.
I came to this via reading Ghosh's Smoke and Ashes: A Writer's Journey through Opium's Hidden Histories where it is referenced. As Ghosh points out, the novel is set during the period of opium production used by the British to batter China. Opium is not the topic of the novel. More so, the central themes are love, power, and implicit intimacies. But neither is opium production a hidden element.
I am happy to have read it but remain unsure, as of yet, how to think about this novel.
It was fun. And it transports you to a different time and place. I am not sure the novel is trying to make a point. But perhaps this is what gives its texture the air and suppleness needed to carry the reader away.
I came to this via reading Ghosh's Smoke and Ashes: A Writer's Journey through Opium's Hidden Histories where it is referenced. As Ghosh points out, the novel is set during the period of opium production used by the British to batter China. Opium is not the topic of the novel. More so, the central themes are love, power, and implicit intimacies. But neither is opium production a hidden element.
I am happy to have read it but remain unsure, as of yet, how to think about this novel.
January 20, 2025
This is a literary masterpiece. The setting is so compelling and book is well written that it takes us back to british era. Author’s writing is lyrical, poignant, and vivid. This follows the odyssey of a courtesan who was abducted but then her life drastically changes. She was so dear to her mother that she always wanted to keep her daughter with herself. I deeply felt for her. While sharing the life of a courtesan, author has also shared the lives of others. I liked the character of Bhojpuri’s folk poet too. Set in british raj but author’s poetic words will unveil the characters innermost emotions, love, music, heartbreak, melody of sweet voice transforming everything, and the tragic happenings. The book is so deep, poignant, and tragic.
November 2, 2023
This novel is an excellent narration of the Bhojpur region of late 1800s and early 1900s. It creates a picture of life surrounding the Sarayu river that you can not forget. The lead characters’ arcs are very well-defined.
This is not an emotionally glamorous novel in any sense. It does not bombard you with sentiments. It treats life and death at par, and the stories just keep flowing. These stories are famous throughout the region based on real people and the cities exist till date. This adds an extra sense of inquisitiveness.
The translation was great. Nothing seemed amiss.
This is not an emotionally glamorous novel in any sense. It does not bombard you with sentiments. It treats life and death at par, and the stories just keep flowing. These stories are famous throughout the region based on real people and the cities exist till date. This adds an extra sense of inquisitiveness.
The translation was great. Nothing seemed amiss.
May 24, 2021
This book from Bhojpuri literature brings out the story connected to parts of Bihar, Varanasi, and Calcutta. The culture in later parts of the British Sepoy Mutiny in the areas of Bihar and social, cultural aspects and life and the main story of a zamindar, and a tawaif and various issues revolve around are depicted and the tranlation brings out the effect.
December 13, 2022
My first attempt to read the literature of my mother tongue was a bittersweet one. Loved the way it reminded me of classic novels by Premchand and Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay. Completely despised the male gaze with which book's women are left helpless and powerless even though they are chastised, sexualized and overtly valorised.
June 29, 2024
Though I was born and brought up in Bihar and was familiar with Bhojpuri and could even speak a broken one, while in college, I wasn't aware of its rich literature.
This is a gem of a book. Though I read only the translation and the book is set in another time much before mine, I could practically visualise and feel the book.
Totally loved it.
This is a gem of a book. Though I read only the translation and the book is set in another time much before mine, I could practically visualise and feel the book.
Totally loved it.
January 10, 2023
This book marks my first endeavor in Bhojpuri literature, and hence i had high hopes from this book. The story has, no doubt, a beautiful underlying concept; trading one's freedom with a life of comfort, luxury and safety. However, I do have my own shares of complaints from the book.
My main issue: the translation. Gautam Choubey did an aggressively mediocre job at translating this local epic. His translation lacked conviction and inspiration, to say the least. It is quite simply written, however, Choubey manages to barely tip-toe around actually describing the turmoil each of the three protagonists is going through in this larger-than-life story. He has, unfortunately not justified the gorgeous story woven by Pandey Kapil.
This is where Kapil's credit is due. the recurring motifs of a cage, and a bird trapped within a cage are a relief as well as heartbreaking at the same time. He also covers several topics of mistrust, femineity, personal identity and classism with grace. A commendable job by Kapil, it really establishes him as a writer with incredible prowess.
My main issue: the translation. Gautam Choubey did an aggressively mediocre job at translating this local epic. His translation lacked conviction and inspiration, to say the least. It is quite simply written, however, Choubey manages to barely tip-toe around actually describing the turmoil each of the three protagonists is going through in this larger-than-life story. He has, unfortunately not justified the gorgeous story woven by Pandey Kapil.
This is where Kapil's credit is due. the recurring motifs of a cage, and a bird trapped within a cage are a relief as well as heartbreaking at the same time. He also covers several topics of mistrust, femineity, personal identity and classism with grace. A commendable job by Kapil, it really establishes him as a writer with incredible prowess.
October 12, 2021
The first thought I had after finishing this book was how wonderfully rooted this story is in Bihar. The romanticization of the land, the culture and the people is breathtaking. It makes you rethink your thoughts about the state.
The vivid descriptions of Chhapra, the Red Mansion, and the banks of river Saryu are no less than magical. They bring the places to life, as if they are also characters, playing their part in this love story. The author reminds you that a building is not merely to protect you from the harsh sun or intense cold and rains or meant to make you money. He reminds you that humans form bonds with these bits of land. Bonds of identity, of memories, of cultures, of endurance, of justice, of friendship, of love.
Often people talk about the beautiful connection they have with their hometowns or the cities that they moved to. Like a friend of mine (@jovianplutoniage on instagram) has for her ancestral home:
As a kid, I thought you were the entire village, anything beyond you I didn't know or care to know.
Today, even after years, I miss the November morning chills you gave me.
The only place where I was told to sleep in late, play all day and eat only the food I liked.
Running around on your roofs, getting scared of the tall coconut trees, listening to stories, playing hide and seek,
You gave me memories and a feeling of freedom that nothing else ever can
And I miss them, I miss you.
Even today, you are the entire village. Anything beyond you I don't know nor do I care to know.
Such memories are heartwarming. Places that have a hold on your being and don’t ever want to let go. Towns that taught you lessons of hard work or companionship. Where you first learned a skill or thrived in one. Where you had your first heartbreak (I mean, heartbreaks can be great after-effects too in some cases). A place of many firsts, and some lasts.
And Phoolsunghi gives you such an experience.
Pick this book up if you want to relive the times of mehfils, Havelis and when poetry was in its prime. When art was celebrated not just by elites but acted as a gathering-together force for communities.
PS: I highly suggest you listen to Sameer Rahat’s version of Shaam Hoti Hai Toh ghazal after reading the book. To entice you a little bit, here are a bit of the lyrics (written by Rahat Indori):
Shaam hoti hai to palkon pe sajata hai mujhe
Wo charagon ki tarah roz jalata hai mujhe
Main hun ye kam to nahi hai tere hone ki daleel
Mera hona tera ehsaas dilata hai mujhe
The vivid descriptions of Chhapra, the Red Mansion, and the banks of river Saryu are no less than magical. They bring the places to life, as if they are also characters, playing their part in this love story. The author reminds you that a building is not merely to protect you from the harsh sun or intense cold and rains or meant to make you money. He reminds you that humans form bonds with these bits of land. Bonds of identity, of memories, of cultures, of endurance, of justice, of friendship, of love.
Often people talk about the beautiful connection they have with their hometowns or the cities that they moved to. Like a friend of mine (@jovianplutoniage on instagram) has for her ancestral home:
As a kid, I thought you were the entire village, anything beyond you I didn't know or care to know.
Today, even after years, I miss the November morning chills you gave me.
The only place where I was told to sleep in late, play all day and eat only the food I liked.
Running around on your roofs, getting scared of the tall coconut trees, listening to stories, playing hide and seek,
You gave me memories and a feeling of freedom that nothing else ever can
And I miss them, I miss you.
Even today, you are the entire village. Anything beyond you I don't know nor do I care to know.
Such memories are heartwarming. Places that have a hold on your being and don’t ever want to let go. Towns that taught you lessons of hard work or companionship. Where you first learned a skill or thrived in one. Where you had your first heartbreak (I mean, heartbreaks can be great after-effects too in some cases). A place of many firsts, and some lasts.
And Phoolsunghi gives you such an experience.
Pick this book up if you want to relive the times of mehfils, Havelis and when poetry was in its prime. When art was celebrated not just by elites but acted as a gathering-together force for communities.
PS: I highly suggest you listen to Sameer Rahat’s version of Shaam Hoti Hai Toh ghazal after reading the book. To entice you a little bit, here are a bit of the lyrics (written by Rahat Indori):
Shaam hoti hai to palkon pe sajata hai mujhe
Wo charagon ki tarah roz jalata hai mujhe
Main hun ye kam to nahi hai tere hone ki daleel
Mera hona tera ehsaas dilata hai mujhe
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