Navalram (1836-1888), poet, dramatist, translator, editor, etymologist, biographer and social reformer is considered to be a unique phenomenon in Gujarati literature. The first humourist in modern Gujarat, the first historical dramatist, the first book-reviewed and the most remarkable scholar of his age, Navalram was the first to herald the new generation of writers like Manilal, Govardhanram and Narsimh Rao.
Navalram's writings cover a wide area of interest: philosophy, patriotism, reformation, education, journalism, grammar and literature.
His poems deal with a variety of topics and situations and are marked by his concern for the social and political problems of his time. The classical style of presentation and his mastery over the language and metre have carved for him a permanent niche among the writers of Gujarat. A few of his poems and his play Bhatnun Bhopalun, are some of the finest examples of satirical writing in Gujarati.
Criticism is another field where Navalram excelled. As editor of Gujarat Shala Patra he earned the distinction of a torchbeare in the sphere of objective journalism. Chief among the works of Navalram are: Bhatnun Bhopalun (play), Veermati (historical play), Bal lagna Batrishi (poems), Meghdut (translation) and Kavijnan (biography).
Ramesh M. Shukla (b. 1929), is an eminent scholar and literary critic. A keen student of the Gujarati literature of the period of Renaissance, to which Navalram belonged, Dr. Shukla has edited several old and medieval Gujarati works of Bhalan, Premanand and Akha Bhagat. Currently he is the Director, Academic Staff College, Saurashtra University.
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