How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page states 'First published in [year] by Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd' (7/16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi) or, on older books, the earlier 'Rupa & Co.' imprint.
- A first impression is often explicitly stated ('First impression [year]'); later impressions list a sequence of impression dates, and the earliest stated impression is the first printing.
- Some titles carry a descending number line for impressions; the 1, or the earliest stated impression, marks the first printing.
- The earlier 'Rupa & Co.' imprint (used before the rebrand to Rupa Publications India around 2011) dates the edition to before that change.
Notable points & cautions
- Long-established Indian trade house founded in 1936 by D. Mehra and R. K. Mehra on College Street, Calcutta (Kolkata), under the name Rupa & Co.; rebranded Rupa Publications India around 2011.
- Publisher of Chetan Bhagat's bestsellers and high-volume Indian fiction; large print runs mean many later impressions circulate, so the impression statement must be checked carefully.
- Co-founded Aleph Book Company (2011) with David Davidar as a separate, more literary imprint.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Rupa, Red Turtle (children's). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Rupa Publications India book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page states 'First published in [year] by Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd' (7/16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi) or, on older books, the earlier 'Rupa & Co.' imprint. A first impression is often explicitly stated ('First impression [year]'); later impressions list a sequence of impression dates, and the earliest stated impression is the first printing.
Does Rupa Publications India use a number line?
A first impression is often explicitly stated ('First impression [year]'); later impressions list a sequence of impression dates, and the earliest stated impression is the first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Rupa Publications India first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Long-established Indian trade house founded in 1936 by D. Mehra and R. K. Mehra on College Street, Calcutta (Kolkata), under the name Rupa & Co.; rebranded Rupa Publications India around 2011.
What era does this cover?
This covers Rupa Publications India (1936-present (as Rupa Publications India 2011-present)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.