Granth Ane Granthkar Pustak 07

This document is the seventh volume in the "Granth ane Granthkar" (Book and Author) series, published by Gujarat Vernacular Society in 1976. Prepared by Hiralal Tribhovandas Parekh, Assistant Secretary, Ahmedabad, the book costs one rupee. This particular volume includes an introduction to the works of Lady Vidyaben R. Nilkanth.

The document begins with a formal preface from the Gujarat Vernacular Society, highlighting the established utility of the series and the Society's commitment to publishing diverse literary works. It notes the increasing appreciation for the Society's publications and its role in enriching Gujarati literature by publishing works that might not otherwise be commercially viable. The preface also mentions the inclusion of important essays on the Gujarati language and bibliographical information about authors, along with a classified list of books published during the year and notable articles from periodicals.

The introduction, written by Hiralal Tribhovandas Parekh, touches upon the suggestion to expand the series into a comprehensive reference book similar to "Maharashtra Samvatsarik." However, it acknowledges the practical difficulties, including cost, the need for a permanent staff, and uncertain public reception. It reiterates the series' original aim: to address the difficulties in obtaining information about Gujarati literature and authors, and to compile factual information in one accessible place. The introduction mentions ongoing work on biographical details of living authors, plans to cover ancient poets, and a classified list of books published in 1935, as well as important articles from periodicals.

The main body of the book is structured around several key sections:

1. A Planned Program for the Advancement of Gujarati Literature: This section, spanning pages 10-21, discusses the importance of promoting Gujarati literature. It highlights the historical shift from a preference for English education to the adoption of Indian languages, referencing the influence of Mahatma Gandhi in promoting Hindi and Gujarati. It also discusses the challenges in establishing a comprehensive Gujarati dictionary and the need for systematic study and research in Gujarati language and literature. The section touches upon the role of various literary organizations and institutions like Gujarat Vernacular Society, Forbes Gujarati Sabha, Gujarat Sahitya Parishad, and Sahitya Sansad in promoting literature. It also calls for a planned approach to address the existing gaps and shortcomings in Gujarati literature. The text emphasizes the need for a standard Gujarati dictionary, grammar books, and a structured approach to historical research and literary analysis.

2. Classified List of Books (1935): This extensive section, from page 22 onwards, provides a detailed, categorized list of books published in 1935. The categories include:

   • History
   • Politics
   • Biography
   • Poetry
   • Novels
   • General Ethics/Knowledge
   • Travel
   • Education
   • Science
   • Handicrafts/Industry
   • Economics
   • Literature (General)
   • Religion & Philosophy
   • Drama
   • Reference
   • Children's Literature
   • Music
   • Medicine & Exercise
   • Mathematics
   • Agriculture
   • Commemorative Volumes (Souvenir volumes)
   • Scholarly Use (School curriculum books)

3. List of Important Articles Published in Periodicals in 1935: This section, starting from page 51, meticulously lists articles published in various magazines during 1935, categorized by subject matter. The subjects covered include:

   • Language and Grammar
   • Literature (with subcategories like poetry, novels, essays, criticism, drama, historical characters, comparative literature, etc.)
   • History (with subcategories like ancient history, regional history, biographies)
   • Science
   • Travel & Geography
   • Education
   • Religion & Philosophy
   • Miscellaneous

4. Biographical Sketches of Authors: Scattered throughout the document, but particularly highlighted in the latter half, are biographical sketches of various authors. The introduction to this section on page 8 states the intention to include biographies of living authors, and later mentions plans to cover ancient poets. The entries include authors like:

   • Bhikshu Akhandanandji (detailed biography focusing on his literary work and charitable activities)
   • Indulal Kanjilal Yajnik (mentioning his journalistic and political involvement)
   • Krishnalal Surjaram Vakil (detailing his extensive career in education and his prolific writing)
   • Bhattashri Giridharsharmaji (highlighting his scholarship in Sanskrit and his literary contributions)
   • Chhotalal Mansing Kamdar (focusing on his literary work, particularly in children's literature and statistics)
   • Dattatraya Balkrishna Diskalkar (noting his work in history and museum curation)
   • Nathusingh H. Chavda (mentioning his interest in history and languages)
   • Nagardas Rewashankar Pandya (noting his literary work and patriotic songs)
   • Munishri Nyayavijayji (highlighting his philosophical and literary contributions, especially in Jain literature and social reform)
   • Manilal Chhotalal Parekh (describing his spiritual and literary pursuits)
   • Ratilal Vithaldas Dalal (focusing on his interest in children's literature and humor)
   • Rangnath Shambhunath Gharekhan (detailing his educational career and literary contributions, including a favorable mention of his work on religious philosophy)
   • Dr. Harilal Harshdray Dhruv (highlighting his prolific writing, research, translations, and contributions to Gujarati literature and history)

The document provides a snapshot of Gujarati literary output and intellectual activity in 1935, reflecting a period of growing national consciousness and literary development. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting Gujarati language and literature, and the role of various institutions and individuals in this endeavor. The biographical sketches offer insights into the lives and works of prominent figures who shaped Gujarati literature during that era.