The Children's literature in Gujarati language of India has its roots in traditional folk literature, Puranic literature, epics and fables from Sanskrit literature. Following 1830s, the large number of stories and fables adapted and translated from various traditional and western sources started to appear in Gujarati. Led by Gijubhai Badheka and Nanabhai Bhatt, the children's literature expanded rapidly in form of stories, poems, rhymes and riddles. Several authors and poets wrote for children intermittently and exclusively. Large number of magazines catering to children were published by middle of twentieth century. Later adventure novels, science fiction, young-adult fiction were also published. Ramanlal Soni and Jivram Joshi contributed for five decades creating stories, fictional characters and novels. Few children's plays were published while the biographies of historical characters appeared frequently.
Children's stories.
There are several stories popular in Gujarati folk literature which relate to children. There is a long tradition of Purana stories in Indian literature which deals with topics, particularly myths, legends and other traditional lore. The stories derived from "Ramayana", "Mahabharata", "Panchtantra", "Hitopadesha" and anecdotes of "Akbar-Birbal", "Bhoja-Kalidas", "Singhasan Battisi", "Baital Pachisi", "Śukasaptati" are told to children for generations.
The current form of children's literature started after the education in Gujarati was aligned to western pattern in 1826 during British Raj. The Native Schools and Books Society established in Bombay in 1820 had published books for new schools. They were for co-curriculum reading. Initial works in Gujarati children's literature were translations and adaptations. In 1826, Bapulal Shastri Pandya translated "Aesop's Fables" in Gujarati as "Aesop Nitikathao". In next few years more translations of Aesop's Fables published. The "Gulliver's Travels" translated as "Gulliverni Musafari". In 1831, the two parts of "Balamitra" was published starting an era of current form of children's literature. It had poems, stories, anecdotes and jokes. Ranchhodbhai Dave published "Isapnitini Vato" adapted from "Aesop's Fables" in 1859. The Bombay Education Society published four books in 1840; "Shishusadbodhmala", "Balamitra", "Balasathi" and "Panch Pakhaon" ("Panchapakhyana"); having poems, stories, anecdotes, biographies for children. Amichandra wrote "Batrish Pultini Varta" based on "Singhasan Battisi".
Initially there were translations of stories from classic Indian literature. "Tunki Kahanio" (1881) published by Anubhai Neelkanth had 118 translated stories. Hargovinddas Kantawala published adapted short stories "Tachukadi So Vaat" in six volumes. He also wrote novel regarding misrule of the foolish king in 1887. He also published "Kanyavanchanamala", the first book exclusively for girls. Ichchharam Desai translated "Evenings at Home" as "Balako No Anand" (1895). He also wrote "Ghashiram Kotwal" (1903) based on Ghashiram from Maratha history. Jaysukhlal Joshipura adapted "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" as "Alka no Adbhut Pravas". Narayan Hemchandra wrote "Mahabharat Ni Vartao" (1904) based on events from the epic "Mahabharata". Manchharam Ghelaram edited a collection of tales, "Murakho", the fool, which was a theme on which several others had written. Sharda Mehta published "Puranvarta Sangraha" (1906) based on mythological tales from Purana. Kalyanrag Joshi published "Deshdeshni Vato" (1914) and "Vigyan ni Vato" (1914) about worldview and science respectively.
The original children's literature rapidly expanded due to efforts of Gijubhai Badheka who was actively involved in reforms in children's education. He started the musical literature for children and is considered the father of children's literature in Gujarati. He published five books in 1922 and later cofounded a school, Dakshinamoorti, in Bhavnagar which published large number of books for children. He was joined by Jugatram Dave, Taraben Modak, Mulshankar Bhatt, Vishnu Trivedi, Harbhai Trivedi, Ramnarayan Pathak, and several others. Nanabhai Bhatt published stories based on characters from "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata" as well as "Hindu Dharma ni Akhyayikao" for young adults. Mulshankar Bhatt translated science fictional adventure novels by Jules Verne in Gujarati. He wrote "Sahsikoni Shrusti", a simplified version of Jules Verne's "The Mysterious Island", and "Khajanani Shodhma", a simplified version of Stevenson's "Treasure Island". Dakshinamoorti published more than 150 children's books.
Natvarlal Malvi and Ishwarlal Vimavala established "Gandiv" in Surat which published works for young-adults. They published illustrated 30 stories of popular anthropomorphic animal character "Bakor Patel" created by Hariprasad Vyas. Other major authors were Kaushiram Pandya, Chhaganlal Pandya, Chimanlal Bhatt, Dhirajlal Shah, Manubhai Jodhani, Dhumketu, Tarachandra Adalja, Bhimbhai Desai, Subhadra Gandhi, Bhikhabhai Vyas, Jaybhikhkhu, Himmatlal Shah, Niranjan Varma and Prasannavadan Dixit. Bholashankar Vyas wrote humorous stories for children. Ratilal Nanabhai Tanna, Vasant Nayak and Mahesh 'Mast Fakir' also wrote several stories. "Foram Lahario" by Sharda Prasad Varma and "Vanarsena ni Vato" by Keshav Prasad Desai were also published. Ramanlal N. Shah, Sumati Patel and Nagardas Patel published some stories under title of "Baljeevan" and "Balvinod". Jhaverchand Meghani also wrote some patriotic stories for children. Hansa Jivraj Mehta wrote "Balvartavali", "Arun Nu Adbhut Swapna", "Baval Na Parakramo". Chandrashankar Bhatt published "Balmitra" which published stories which were later collected as "Balmitra Ni Vato", "Sindbad Sheth", "Kumar Veersen".
Two major authors who published extensively in children's literature were Ramanlal Soni and Jivram Joshi who contributed for more than five decades. Ramanlal Joshi created "Galbo Shiyal" and associated animal stories. His "Mangalu" was popular among children. Jivram Joshi created several popular characters including Miya Fuski, Chhel-Chhabo, Chhako-Mako, Adukiyo-Dadukiyo. Other popular character based stories were "Bogho" of Harshad Patel, "Vinu" of Navalkant Bhavsar, "Venakaka" of Juga Pandya, "Fatubha Fankda Na Parakramo" by Manubhai Shah, "Shekhchalli" of Jaymalla Parmar, "Akkad ane Fakkad" of Narad, "Budhiyo" of Madhusudan Parekh, "Soti and Pothi" of Dhananjay Shah, "Miyalabbe" of Chandrkant Amin and "Muchhala Menamasi" of Dhiraj Brahmabhatt.
In the field of science fiction, Shrikant Trivedi, Harish Nayak, Yashwant Mehta, Dhirajlal Gajjar, Ratilal Nayak, Kanaiyalal Ramanuj, Girish Ganatra, Rajni Vyas, Suresh Jethna, Nagendra Vijay, Yashwant Kadikar, Kishor Pandya, Nagin Modi, Bipin Patel, Ishwar Parmar, Sakalchand Saheb contributed. The stories based on "Panchtantra", "Hitopadesha", "Akbar-Birbal" folk tales, Mulla Nasiruddin, Tenali Rama are frequently translated and written by various authors over the years. Popular works from world literature such as "Tarzan", "Hercules", "Robinson Crusoe", "Gulliver's Travels" are frequently adapted in Gujarati by various authors.
In animal fables, Ramanlal Soni, Vijaygupta Maurya, Manubhai Jodhani, Nanubhai Surati, Kanaiyalal Ramanuj, Harjivan Somaiya, Vasantlal Parmar contributed. "Sarkas Doctor Na Romanchak Sahaso" by Vijaygupta Maurya is noteworthy among them. Mukul Kalarthi, Kumarpal Desai, Mahendra Trivedi, Upendra Bhatt wrote large number of fables.
Several artist wrote or illustrated stories including comics and graphic stories. Ravishankar Raval, Somalal Shah, Rajni Vyas, Chakor, Abid Surti, Natu Mistry, Ramesh Kothari, V. Ramanuj, Lalit Lad, Nirmal Sarteja, Deepak Thakor are notable among them.
Some novels or novellas were also written for children. "Gulabi Aarass Ni Laggi" by Harikrishna Pathak, "Tilli" by Mahendra Trivedi, "Navjivan Shala" by Madhav Desai, "Durga No Deepak" by Shraddha Trivedi, "Varun Nu Soneri Swapna" by Madhusudan Parekh, "Prakash Na Parevada" by Kanaiyalal Joshi, "Khovayeli Duniyani Safare" by Yashwant Mehta are some novels. Some women in the children's literature are Jagruti Ramanuj, Sulbha Depurkar, Usha Upadhyay, Aruna Mistry, Lata Hirani, Bepsy Engineer, Kalindi Parikh, Neha Kansara, Pushpa Antani, Neeta Ramaiya and Tarlika Mehta.
In recent times, the large number of classic adventure novels from the world literature are translated and published in Gujarati.
Children's poetry.
The poetry for very young children include lullaby, rhymes, riddles. "Halarda" (1928) is a collection of lullabies by Jhaverchand Meghani. Keshavlal Parikh published collection of riddles, "Koyada Sangrah" (1870). "Kavtuka Samgraha" (1885) and "Padshah are Leva" (1886) are published by Parsi writer Marzban. The first deals with general knowledge in light manner while the second present it in puzzle format. Gijubhai Badheka published a collection of rhymes, "Jodakna" (1937) selected from folk literature. Deshalji Parmar was a major contributor of original rhymes. His rhyme collection "Galgoato" (1930) is notable. Kanji Kalidas Joshi had edited "Bal Ukhana" (1929) which is the book of riddles published before the independence of India.
Other books for very young include "Mitro Na Jodakna" (1993) by Dhiruben Patel, "Pappa No Thappo" (1992) by Badal, "Jodakna Ni Maja" (1993), "Sarvariya" (1980) and "Zagmagiya" (1983) by Amritlal Parekh, "Tari Mari Doreli" (1988) and "Pandade Podhya Patangiya" (1998) by Dhansukhlal Parekh.
Gujarati children's poetry started as an educational instrument. In 1848, Dalpatram wrote humorous children's poetry from inspiration from earlier fables. When new education department was formed by the British authorities, he had edited series of new Gujarati textbooks under leadership of Theodore Hope. His was perhaps the first original writing for children in Gujarati which also included first children's poem. His "Andheri Nagari Ne Gandu Raja", "Dayali Ma", "Sharanaivalo" and "Unt Na Adhar Ang Vanka" are notable among them. These poems has simple story; simple tune, words and rhymes; message with humour. In 1866, Navalram Pandya had written garba songs for children which were published in "Shalapatra" and later as "Bal Garbavali". One song of it "Janavarni Jan" became very popular. Nhanalal also wrote poetry for children. His "Ganya Ganay Nahi, Vinya Vinay Nahi" is popular among children. "Balakavya" (1915) by Krishnaprasad Bhatt had poems with natural rhymes. "Ajab Jevi Vaat Chhe" by Upendracharyaji was very popular. Himmatlal Anjariya published a poetry collection "Madhubindu" (1915). Tribhuvan Vyas wrote "Nava Geeto" (1929) and "Gunjarava" (1941) focused on natural elements such as river, hills, rain and sea. Jhaverchand Meghani published poetry collections; "Veni Na Phool" (1931) and "Killol" (1932). His "Kaludi Kutari" was popular. His poems "Charankanya" and "Shivaji Nu Halardu" are also notable. His poems were simple and effective. Tribhuvandas Luhar 'Sundaram' published poetry collection "Rang Rang Vadaliya" (1939), "Chak Chak Chakla", "Aa Avya Patangiya" and "Gato Gato Jay Kanaiyo". These all are collections are published in a single volume "Samagra Balkavita" (2005).
Educationists Gijubhai Badheka and Nanabhai Bhatt established the children's literature in its true understanding and as the foundation of the education and moral development. Their scientific methods in education and children's literature were appreciated. Harbhai Trivedi, Taraben and Monghiben continued their tradition.
Chandravadan Mehta wrote "Chandapoli" and "Dudhna Dana". Somabhai Bhavsar wrote a collection of rhymes "Kharek Topara" and three other collections; "Gunjan" (1939), "Bham" (1951) and "Chagdol" (1961). In 1960, he also edited three anthologies of singable children's poems. "Balako Na Geeto", "Magodi No Pipudivalo", "Pagala", "Madh No Ladvo", "Kashi No Pandit" are the collections by Ramanlal Soni. They were published in 1979. Snehrashmi wrote popular prayer "Namie Tujne Varamvar". He also experimented with "Haiku" format. "Tarapo" (1980) and "Ujani" (1980) are his poetry collections. His experiences as a teacher and a poet are visible in his poems. His poems has tunes and rhymes which can be easily captured by children as well as they are singable; filled with imagination, inspiration and entertainment. After 1950, Rajendra Shah ("Morpichchh", "Ambe Avyo Mor" and "Roomzoom"), Balmukund Dave ("Allak Dallak", "Sonchampo"), "Makarand Dave" (Zabuk Vijali Zabuk") also wrote children's poetry. Suresh Dalal published more than dozen poetry collections including "Ittakitta" and "Tingatoli" (1976) in his three decade long career. According to Harikrishna Pathak, Dalal brought children's poetry from its rural background to urban setup.
Ramesh Parekh is prolific children's poet of modern era. His command on tune, novelty, amazement, imagination, teasing writing style are visible in his poetry. "Hauk" (1978), "Chin" (1980), "Itta, Kitta Ane Buchcha", "Dariyo Zullam Zulla", "Hasie Khullam Khulla" are his collections. Chandrakant Sheth's "Chandaliyani Gadi" (1980) depicts different styles of songs and different mentalities of children. Harikrishna Pathak also captures amazement in his collection "Koinu Kaink Khovay Chhe" (1981). "Tofan" (1979) by Yoseph Macwan includes songs with catchy tunes.
The poet Pinakin Trivedi, studied at Santiniketan, brought melody and rhymes of children's poetry by Rabindranath Tagore. Other children's poetry collections are "Balshikshan Ni Garbavali" by Gopalji Delwadakar, "Kanya Garbavali" and "Balgeeto" by Manishankar Dave, "Bal Kavitao" by Dhirajlal Bhatt, "Gauri Na Geeto" by Deshalji Parmar, "Chalo Gaeye" by Madhukant G. Mehta, "Chandapoli" by Vasant Nayak, "Kilkilat" by Jamubhai Dani, "Naginavadi" by Ramnik Aralvala, "Chhbchhabiya" by Avinash Vyas, "Balkavya Mala" by Viththalrai Avasthi, "Balgeetavali" by Keshav Sheth, "Zulto Hathi" by Pranshankar Upadhyay, "Dada Ni Muchh" by Shantikumar Pandya, "Chanibor" by Jugatram Dave.
Several other poets also contributed including Umashankar Joshi, Bhanuprasad Pandya, Suresh Majmudar, Pujalal Dalwadi, Rashid Munshi, Ravindra Thakor, Phillip Clerk, Raksha Dave, Kanti Kadia, Natwar Patel, Sushilaben Zaveri. Kirit Purohit experimented with ghazal while Harikrishna Pathak with sonnet. "Ilakavyo" by Chandravadan Mehta; "Janani Ni Jod Sakhi" by Damodar Botadkar; "Bharat No Zando" and "Gunvanti Gujarat" by Ardeshar Khabardar and "Lucy Grey" by Viththalrai Avasthi are notable poems. Udayan Thakker has also published books on children's poetry.
Children's plays.
Gijubhai Badheka published two volumes of children's plays through Dakshinamurti. Jugatram Dave wrote "Andhala Nu Gadu" and "Galli Mari Ghrrr Jay". Gandiv published several plays under "Chalo Bhajavie" series during the same period. Other notable