ଗଳ୍ପସ୍ୱଳ୍ପ

by Fakir Mohan Senapati

A collection of twenty Odia Short Stories by Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843 - 1912), who is considered the father of modern Odia (Oriya) prose. Rebati, the first story in the collection, is acclaimed to be the first published short story in Odia language.

Galpa Swalpa - Part 1:

1.Rebati, 2. Patent Medicine, 3. Raandipua Anantaa, 4. Gaarudi Mantra, 5. Adharma Bitta, 6. Sabhya Jamidar, 7. Beerei Bishala, 8. Daaka Munsi, 9. Sunaa Bahu, 10. Dhulia Baba

Galpa Swalpa - Part 2:

1. Ajaa Naati Kathaa, 2. Baleswari Rahajani, 3. Pathoi Bahu, 4. Baleswari Panga Luna, 5. Maadha Mohantynka Kanyaa Sunaa, 6. Kaalika Prasad Goraap, 7. Bagala Baguli, 8. Kamalaa Prasad Goraap, 9. Mouna Mouni, 10. Punar Musika Bhaba

Genres: Short Stories

Paperback

First published January 1, 1901

About the author

Fakir Mohan Senapati (Odia: ଫକୀର ମୋହନ ସେନାପତି), often referred to as Utkala Byasa Kabi (Odisha's Vyasa), was an Indian writer, poet, philosopher and social reformer. He played a leading role in establishing the distinct identity of Odia, a language mainly spoken in the Indian state of Odisha. Fakirmohan Senapati is regarded as the father of Odia nationalism and modern Odia literature.
(courtesy: wiki)

Reviews

[S.Ach · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I regret most now is of not spending enough time on Oriya literature when I should have - that is during my teens. Not only I had ignored, but also shamelessly I had undermined the beauty and profoundity of my day-to-day language.
Better late than never.

The stories of Fakir Mohan Senapati have got household fame throughout Orissa. Everyone in Orissa (doesn't matter if he/she is literate or not) knows the story of "Patent Medicine" ( a wife beats the shit out of her drunkard husband in order to get rid of his drinking problem), "Revati" (the sentiments against Woman education), Dakmunshi (a son throws out his estranged father out of his house, because his nigh't sleep was getting hampered by his father's incessant coughs), and "DhuliaBaba" (a fraudster holyman falls in his own hole while trying to con his devotees)
Each of his stories keeping the smell of Orissa's earth addresses the issues of the society with wry sense of humour.
However, the language might be too rustic to understand. But reading these nine stories is nothing but sheer pleasure.
Unfortunately these stories can NEVER be translated into English, because no translator in this world (probably, not even the author himself) can do justice to these gems.

[Dilraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories written by Fakir mohan senapati are way ahead of their time. Talking about several social issues like girl education, child marriage, scamster sadhus, family relationship etc. and all in a village setup. Simply outstanding!!

[Recite World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fakir Mohan Senapati's stories are all distinguished and well-known; everyone should read them.