Six and a Third Acres

By Fakir Mohan Senapati

Book Overview

Six and a Third Acres was the first modern Odia novel and has remained central to Odia literary excellence ever since. Originally published as Chha Mana Atha Guntha in the literary monthly Utkal Sahitya between 1897 and 1899, this somber tale continues to captivate readers more than a century later.

Its enduring appeal lies in Fakir Mohan Senapati's innovative narrative technique, memorable characters, wit, imagination, and sharp insights into rural life. The novel explores village politics, caste oppression, corruption, and land-grabbing under the zamindari system in colonial Odisha.

At its center is Ramchandra Mangaraj, a cunning zamindar from the village of Govindpur, notorious for seizing land from poor peasants and farmers. This time, his greedy attention turns to a small plot--six and a third acres--owned by a humble, devout weaver couple. Unable to resist the zamindar's manipulative schemes, the couple falls victim to the harsh realities of a caste-ridden society.

This exceptional new translation by Leelawati Mohapatra, Paul St-Pierre, and K. K. Mohapatra brings fresh life to one of the most remarkable novels in Indian literature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9390652081
• ISBN13: 9789390652082
• Release Date: February 2021
• Publisher: Rupa Publications India
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.0"