Gujarat Varnacular Societyno Itihas Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Gujarati text, "Gujarat Vernacular Society no Itihas Part 01" by Hiralal Tribhuvandas Parekh, in English:

Book Title: Gujarat Vernacular Society no Itihas Part 01 (History of the Gujarat Vernacular Society, Part 1) Author: Hiralal Tribhuvandas Parekh Publisher: Hiralal Tribhuvandas Parekh Period Covered: 1849 to 1898

Overall Purpose: This book chronicles the establishment, development, and activities of the Gujarat Vernacular Society (GVS) from its inception in 1849 to 1898. The primary aim is to document the society's contributions to the advancement of Gujarati language, literature, education, and the broader social and intellectual progress of Gujarat. It highlights the challenges faced, the individuals involved, and the impact of the society's endeavors.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Establishment and Early Context (Pre-1849):

   • The book begins by describing the prevailing socio-political and intellectual climate in Gujarat around the mid-19th century. This period was characterized by anarchy, lawlessness, widespread ignorance, superstition, and the decline of traditional learning and societal norms.
   • The need for a society dedicated to the promotion of Gujarati language and knowledge is emphasized, setting the stage for the GVS's founding.

2. Founding of the Gujarat Vernacular Society:

   • The GVS was established on December 26, 1848, by Alexander Kinloch Forbes, an Assistant Judge in Ahmedabad. Forbes, deeply impressed by Gujarati culture and the state of its people, felt a strong desire to contribute to their intellectual and linguistic upliftment.
   • The society's core objectives were to:
     • Promote Gujarati language and literature.
     • Disseminate useful knowledge.
     • Encourage education and intellectual growth.

3. Key Activities and Initiatives of the GVS:

   • Publication of Literature: The society played a pivotal role in commissioning and publishing hundreds of books in Gujarati. This included creating useful texts, translating valuable works, and encouraging original writing through competitions and incentives. It aimed to enrich the Gujarati language and make knowledge accessible.
   • Newspaper Publication: The GVS launched Gujarat's first weekly newspaper, "Vartaman," which aimed to inform the public, shape public opinion, and foster social awareness. The challenges and controversies faced by this pioneering venture are detailed.
   • Native Library (Pustakalay): The establishment of a public library for native residents was a significant early initiative. This "Native Library" aimed to provide access to reading material and served as a center for learning, although it faced financial and operational challenges in its early years. It eventually evolved into the "Himabhai Institute."
   • Establishment of Schools:
     • Gujarati School: The society took over a private mixed school run by Karunashankar Dayashankar, expanding its reach and improving its educational standards.
     • Girls' School (Kanyashala): Recognizing the critical need for female education, the GVS, with significant support from Seth Harki Devi, established a girls' school. This marked a crucial step in women's education in the region.
   • Translation and Adaptation of Books: The society recognized the need to translate and adapt valuable knowledge from English and other languages into Gujarati. This process sometimes involved collaboration with Marathi and Sanskrit scholars, and the text discusses the challenges of creating appropriate terminology and linguistic nuances.
   • The "Hop Reading Series": T.C. Hope, an influential figure in education, initiated the compilation of a reading series for schools. The GVS, with poet Dalpatram's significant involvement, contributed to this series, which aimed to provide accessible and educational material for students.
   • Spelling and Grammar Standardization: The GVS recognized the lack of standardization in Gujarati spelling and grammar. Initiatives were taken, including the compilation of a Gujarati dictionary and the development of spelling rules, with T.C. Hope playing a key role in forming a committee for this purpose.
   • Promotion of Eloquence (Vaktrutva Kala): To encourage public speaking and develop oratorical skills, the society organized oratorical competitions with prizes, fostering intellectual discourse.
   • Encouragement of Authors: Through prize money for essays and the purchase of manuscripts, the society actively supported Gujarati writers, stimulating literary production.
   • Trust Funds: The society managed various trust funds dedicated to specific literary and educational purposes, contributing to its financial stability and operational capacity.

4. Key Individuals and Their Contributions:

   • Alexander Kinloch Forbes: The founder, a visionary administrator and scholar who dedicated himself to Gujarat's welfare. His passion for Gujarati history and literature led to the creation of "Rasamala" and the GVS.
   • Kavishwar Dalpatram Dahyabhai: A central figure who worked closely with Forbes and later led many of the society's initiatives. He was a prolific poet, essayist, and translator, whose works significantly shaped Gujarati literature and social reform. His contributions to "Buddhiprakash" and various literary forms are highlighted.
   • T.C. Hope: An influential educationist who championed the cause of Gujarati education and literacy, playing a key role in developing school books and promoting the GVS.
   • Ra. Sa. Bhogilal Pranvallabhdas: A dedicated educator and early secretary of the GVS, instrumental in the Gujarati school and later in educational reforms.
   • Ra. Ba. Gopalrao Hari Deshmukh (Lokhitwadi): A Marathi scholar and administrator who held significant positions and was a supporter of Gujarati language and literature.
   • Narmad and other contemporaries: While not directly GVS founders, their influence on the evolving intellectual landscape of Gujarat is acknowledged.

5. "Buddhiprakash" Magazine:

   • The book dedicates significant space to the "Buddhiprakash" magazine, which became a central organ for the GVS. It discusses its origins, evolution from a bi-weekly to a monthly, its editorial challenges (especially under Dalpatram), its contributions to social reform, and its financial struggles and reliance on the society.

6. Financial Support and Patronage:

   • The GVS received support from various sources, including government grants, donations from prominent Gujarati philanthropists like Seth Himabhai, Seth Premchand Raichand, and Seth Sorabji Jamshedji. The book details the amounts and the purpose of these contributions, highlighting the crucial role of patronage in the society's sustainability.

7. The Society's Constitution and Governance:

   • The evolution of the society's governing structure, from initial informal committees to more formalized rules and regulations, is discussed. The establishment of honorary memberships and the roles of secretaries and committees are outlined.

8. Enduring Legacy:

   • The book emphasizes that the Gujarat Vernacular Society was instrumental in awakening intellectual curiosity, promoting education, and fostering a sense of cultural pride and social progress in Gujarat during a critical period of transition. The society's efforts laid the groundwork for modern Gujarati literature and intellectual life.

Structure of the Book (as evident from the chapter titles and index): The book is divided into numerous chapters and appendices, covering:

• Introduction/Preface: Highlighting the purpose and significance of documenting the GVS history.
• Historical Context: Describing the socio-political situation of Gujarat.
• Establishment of the Society: Details of the founding and early vision.
• Newspaper (Vartaman): The society's foray into journalism.
• Native Library: The creation and evolution of the library.
• Gujarati School & Kanyashala: The society's direct involvement in education.
• Efforts for Vernacular Language Development: Focus on literature and book creation.
• Alexander Kinloch Forbes: A dedicated chapter to the founder.
• Trust Funds and Donations: Financial aspects of the society.
• Government Support: Collaboration with the education department.
• Educational Societies: Broader context of educational movements.
• Buddhiprakash Magazine: Detailed coverage of the society's main publication.
• Honorary Secretaries: Profiles of key individuals.
• Appendices: Lists of patrons, subscribers, advertisements, government proclamations, etc.

In essence, this volume serves as a foundational historical account of the Gujarat Vernacular Society, detailing its ambitious mission, extensive activities, and profound impact on Gujarati society's intellectual and cultural awakening. It underscores the crucial role played by dedicated individuals and institutions in driving progress during a transformative era.