The story is set in the early 20th century during the British indirect rule of Manipur. A Manipuri princess (loosely based on Binodini’s own aunt) falls in love with a young British Political Agent. Their relationship is forbidden by royal custom and colonial politics. The narrative delicately explores:
No literary discussion is complete without critique. Some purists argue that Mathu’s romantic fiction paints an overly tragic picture of Manipuri love. They ask: "Are there no happy couples in the valley?" manipuri sex story mathu nanaba better