A Journal of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya

Heritage
EK TOKRI BHAR MITTI
Madhav Rao Sapre
Translated by
Nishi Tiwari
A humble dwelling adjoined a landlord’s mansion, the abode of a
poor, destitute widow. Not content with his possessions he wished
to encroach upon the widow’s bit of land. He applied all his genius
to make her concede to his demands. But she could not bring herself
around to do so, because she had been living there for a very long
time and was tied to it with long cherished memories. By and by
all her loved ones had been snatched away from her. Her dear husband
and her only son had passed away in that hut. Her daughter-inlaw
too had died leaving behind a five year old daughter. This child
was her only hope and support. She would break down bitterly in
agony whenever she recollected the past. And since she had come
to know of her neighbor’s greedy intention it accentuated her grief
draining all life out of her. She could not think of leaving her humble
abode except at her hour of death. When all stratagems to persuade
her failed he tried to get it by foul means. By bribing the corrupt
lawyers he succeeded in getting the legal possession of the hut. Already
lonely and destitute she took shelter elsewhere.
One day when the landlord was wandering near the hut, surveying
the work being done there by his men, the old widow came there
with a basket in her hand. Greatly displeased with her arrival, he
ordered his men to drive her away. Tearfully she entreated him
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