About Us

Welcome to GBD Books

Our story began in 1933 in the bustling book market of Nai Sarak, Old Delhi, where W R Goyal founded General Book Depot. What started as a small shop quickly became one of India’s earliest and most respected sources for foreign and language books. Even today, the original General Book Depot store in Nai Sarak remains one of the oldest continuously running bookshops in the country and is a living part of India’s literary heritage.

At a time when access to global knowledge was limited, W R Goyal had the vision to import and distribute books that would open up new worlds for Indian readers. His passion for books laid the foundation for a family-run legacy built on trust, learning, and long-term relationships with readers, educators, and institutions.

In 2003, Kaushal Goyal continued the family tradition and launched GBD Books to take the business into publishing. His vision was to produce accessible, high-quality books for students, teachers, and general readers while upholding the legacy of editorial integrity and service. Under the imprints GBD Books and Pigeon Books, the company expanded its publishing across school books, vocabulary titles, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, classics, and children’s literature.

Now led by Arjun Goyal, the third generation of the Goyal family, GBD Books has emerged as a leading name in translation and international literary partnerships. We have published over 150 titles in Hindi and English through close collaborations with more than 30 Chinese publishers, and in 2025 we signed new agreements with publishers in Slovenia and Turkey to expand our global reach.

Today, GBD Books continues to grow with a wide distribution network across India, a 2000 sq ft showroom in New Delhi, a growing digital and export presence, and active participation in international book fairs. But at the heart of our journey is the same belief that started it all in 1933—that books are bridges connecting cultures, languages, and generations.

Inside GBD: Where Books Meet Readers

Publishing With Purpose

At GBD, publishing is more than a business—it’s a legacy, a responsibility, and a daily act of storytelling. As a third-generation publishing house, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to discovering and delivering books that matter. From school and reference books to biographies, fiction, and translations, every title we publish reflects our belief in meaningful, accessible content for every kind of reader.

We operate through two focused imprints: GBD Books, dedicated to education, language, and translation; and Pigeon Books, which publishes classics, biographies, and engaging general interest titles. Together, they help us serve both academic and literary readers across India and beyond.

Our Team: People Behind the Pages

Behind every book is a passionate team. At GBD, our in-house editorial, design, production, and marketing teams work closely together—from the first manuscript to the final printed copy. Whether it’s acquiring rights, crafting layouts, coordinating translations, or planning outreach, we are hands-on at every stage.

We also work with a growing network of translators, illustrators, and international collaborators who help bring diverse stories to life.