Lalit’s Prithviputra: Son
of the Soil
Reviewed by
Chhama,
Independent Researcher,
Darbhanga, Bihar, India.
Prithviputra:
Son of the Soil| Novel (Translated
by Dr. Yugeshwar Sah) | Lalit |
Authors Press, 2025, INR 295,
pp. 140
Introduction:
‘Every act of
translation is an act of miracle'. (Ken Lieu)
Translating
literary text is a challenging as well as a fascinating act. It is not just a
linguistic act but also a cultural process. It functions as a bridge across
languages and cultures. It helps us in the acquisition of knowledge, creation
of knowledge, preservation of knowledge, application of knowledge and
dissemination of knowledge across the globe. Without translation, our knowledge
of the world will remain incomplete. Ultimately, translation is a system that
enables us to know and understand one another so that we can enrich our lives
and make this world a better place to live in.
There is a huge
crisis of English translation of Maithili text seven in this era of
globalization and technology. Although it is too late yet it is the high time
to disseminate the treasure trove of our Maithili literature and culture to the
global platform. With this aim in my mind, Dr. Yugeshwar Sah translated the
Maithili classic novel Prithviputra into English as Prithviputra: Son
of the Soil for non-Maithili speakers and readers. His translation is
remarkable for its readability, originality, visibility, authenticity and
loyalty. His experience of working as a translation officer in the Ministry of
Commerce, New Delhi is reflected in this incredible translation which maintains
the flavour of Maithili language and culture. Lalit kumar, Translator and
academician, beautifully highlights the relevance of translation in these
words:
“Prithviputra is
the Maila Anchal of Maithili literature. The gripping tale comes to life again
in this nuanced English translation” (translated book cover).
Analysis:
Lalit's Prithviputra
(Son of the Soil) is a socially powerful and politically vibrant novel
originally serialised in Mithila Mihir in 1964 in Maithili, published in the
book form in 1965 and translated into English by Dr. Yugeshwar Sah in 2025.The
novel presents a realistic picture of rural life and highlights the deep
emotional bond between human beings and the land they live on. Dr. Sah’s
translation is regarded as a significant effort in introducing Maithili
regional literature to a wider global audience, while carefully preserving the
original work’s emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
The story of the
novel is set in the rural village of Baburbanna in Bihar's Kisi region. The
novel basically focuses on caste discrimination, struggles, and social
inequality and resilience of ordinary people especially farmers, who are
closely connected to the soil. The central character is Bishekhi Passwan, a man
from a marginalised community. He is initially involved in criminal activities
due to poverty and injustice. Overtime, he undergoes a moral transformation and
develops social awareness. Bishekhi has two sons, Genma and Sarupa , who
represent different responses to oppression. Genma, the elder son is
hardworking and deeply connected to farming and the soil . He believes in
patience and silent endurance rather than open rebellion. Sarupa, the younger
son, is bold and questions caste hierarchy and exploitation. Sarupa symbolizes
the true "Son of the Soil" who demands dignity rights. Bijli,
Bishekhi daughter represents struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Her
emotional connection with Kalpnath Mishra challenges social and caste
boundaries. She is later married to Hiralal, showing the pressure of
traditional norms.
The novel
highlights how land is both a source of livelihood and symbol of power. lt
shows the gradual awakening of marginalised people against social injustice,
poverty, exploitation and the dignity of labour. Sarup rightly argues
“The land
belongs to those who plough her. The plough man is the real son of the land. He
worships the land goddess with his sweats. How many days have you seen the
zamindar worshipping the land goddess with his sweats. The government
formulated the laws with proper consideration and deliberation” (Prithviputra:
Son of the Soil, 109).
The protagonist
symbolizes the “Son of the Soil" representing simplicity, honesty, and
resistance against oppression. The story ends with hope for social change
through awareness and resistance. Atul Kumar Thakur, columnist and writer
asserts the universality of this novel:
“Prithviputra manifests the
arrival of new age in modern India; though it's based upon the circumstances of
Mithila but its crux is universally relevant” (Blog, Lalit: Man of Change in
Maithili Literature).
The
characterization of this Dalit narrative is realistic and remarkable. The way
characters have been portrayed shows Lalit's fine sense of understanding human
psyche and keen observation power. Satup's sister Bijaliis the strongest woman
character in Indian literatures across India. She stands for the voice of woman
empowerment, symbolizes gender equality and liberty, and challenges rigid
patriarchy of that time. She is aware of her rights and responsibilities. Her
love for Kalpu Mishra is the epitome of deep intensity, purity, sublimity,
unbounded sacrifice and unconditional devotion. Such pious and pure love is
rare in any literature. At times, she can be compared with Rosie, an incredible
character in The Guide by R. K. Narayan, in terms of reclaiming her autonomy
and agency. Like Miss Malti in Godaan and Rosie in The Guide, Bijali
also initiates live-in-relationship with her lover Kalpu Mishra despite
unbridgeable caste divide in the Mithilanchal region. She asserts her right and
utters something which becomes the landmark quote in the entire literature of
the world.
“The first and
foremost is to live life in this world, and after that there is social prestige.
What is fair and foul?” (Pritviputra: Son of the Soil, 37).
The language of
the translation is simple, expressive and preserving the original spirit of
Maithili literature. The novel creates social awareness and encourages respect
for rural life and human values.
Stylistically,
Lalit employs unembellished prose. Dialogue serves as a key medium for
articulating social tension. Dr. Yugeshwar Sah's translation plays a vital role
in extending the novel's reach. The English version retains the simplicity and
cultural specifity of the original Maithili text while ensuring readability for
a wider audience. By translating, Prithviputra, Dr. Yugeshwar Sah
contributes to the broader recognition of Maithili literature within national
and global studies.
It presents a
socially layered, character-centred narrative deeply rooted in genuine
historical transformation and land reform movement. Who really owns the land? It is
a question which initiates multiple discourses and the protagonist strongly
puts his views in these words:
“Land is our
mother. She belongs to those who serve her. Who can be her owner? Those who
will not serve her and would become the owner she would not belong to her. She
would sacrifice them” (Sah, 2025, p. 62).
Challenges of
Literary Translation:
Translating a
literary text is a challenging act. The
translator has faced a number of linguistic and cultural problems while
rendering the text from Maithili into English. Dr. Yugeshwar has beautifully
negotiated Maithili language and culture in translating Prithiviputra
into English for the non-Maithili speakers. He has smoothly mediated the
linguistic and cultural challenges faced during the process of translation. He
argues that
“There are only
two ways-either ‘foreignization’ or ‘domestication' but it all depends upon the
purpose and target readers community of translators. The translators adopt
strategy according to their target readers community (for whom he is
translating). But for me, ‘foreignization’ is a better way to practice while
translating culturally loaded texts. We should give footnote/endnote/glossary
of such cultural terms, concepts and expressions so that meanings of those
words could be explained. This kind of practice and use of such strategy will help
the translators to maintain the promises (loyalty to the source text and readability)
and promote regional language and culture at the global platform. (Sah, 2021:
p. 150)
Conclusion:
Despite serious
linguistic and cultural challenges, the translation preserves the spirit and
essence of the original work while expanding its reach to a broader audience.
Dr. Yugeshwar Sah, in his research article entitled Challenges of Literary
Translation with reference to Maithili Literature: A Critique urges the
readers:
“A tradition of
translation should be developed so that we may provide global platform to
local/ regional literatures. English Translation of Maithili literature will
create the space and the scope for serious and in-depth research, interdisciplinary
research and comparative research.” (Sah: 2022, 93).
Overall, Prithviputra
: Son of the Soil is a meaningful
and thought - provoking work that reflects social reality and creates social
awareness and inspires readers to value hard work, humanity and their cultural
roots. The book is especially relevant for students of literature and readers
interested in realistic and regional writing. Prithviputra: Son of the Soil
emerges as a significant cultural and literary bridge between Maithili and English
readerships.
Reference
Sah, Dr Yugeshwar. Trans. Prithviputra: Son of the Soil, Authorspress, 2025.
---.Linguistic and Cultural Peculiarities in Maithili Text and Context in Literary Translation Practice: A Critique, Langlit: An International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal, vol. 2, issue 8, 2021, pp. 145-151.
--- Challenges of Literary Translation with reference to Maithili Literature: A Critique, Are Atrium: ArsArtium: An International Refereed Research Journal, vol. 10, January 2022, pp. 83-94.
Thakur, Atul, Kumar. Lalit: Man of Change in Maithili Literature, 2010.Blog. https://onestandpoint.blogspot.Com