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Chocolate and Other Writings on Male Homoeroticism

Author: Pandey Bechan Sharma (pen name: Ugra)
Translator: Ruth Vanita
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literature

Synopsis:
Chocolate and Other Writings on Male Homoeroticism is a landmark collection of Hindi fiction first published in 1927, notable for being the first Indian literary work to focus explicitly on male same s*x relationships. Its publication ignited India’s earliest public debates on homos*xuality, drawing attention from prominent figures, including Mahatma Gandhi.

The stories depict male homoeroticism in everyday situations, such as a man introducing a lover to a disapproving friend or a handsome young man becoming the object of desire at his school. While the narratives do not always conclude happily, they portray the experiences of love and desire with nuance and empathy.

This edition, translated into English by Ruth Vanita an Indian academic and activist specializing in gender and s*xuality studies includes the full text of Chocolate alongside an excerpt from Ugra’s novel Letters of Some Beautiful Ones (also published in 1927). Vanita’s introduction situates Ugra’s works within the context of Indian nationalist struggles and Hindi literary movements, providing critical insight into the historical and cultural backdrop of these writings.