ઝવેરચંદ મેઘાણી; August 28, 1896 – March 9, 1947) was a noted poet, litterateur, social reformer and freedom fighter from Gujarat. He is a well-known name in the field of Gujarati literature. He was born in Chotila. Mahatma Gandhi spontaneously gave him the title of Raashtreeya Shaayar (National Poet). Besides this he received many awards like Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and Mahida Paaritoshik in literature. He authored more than 100 books. His first book was a translation work of Rabindranath Tagore's ballad Kathaa-u-Kaahinee titled Kurbani Ni Katha (Stories of martyrdom) which was first published in 1922. He contributed widely to Gujarati folk literature. He went from village to village in search of folk-lores and published them in various volumes of Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar. He was also the Editor of Phoolchhab Newspaper of Janmabhoomi group (which is being published till date from Rajkot).

A sample of his collection of folk tales from Saurashtra has recently been published in an English, with the translation done by his son Vinod Meghani. The three volumes published so far are titled A Noble Heritage, A Shade Crimson and The Ruby Shattered.

His poems are taught as a part of syllabus in Gujarat Board Schools (GSEB).

Life

Jhaverchand Meghani was born in Chotila town in Surendranagar, Gujarat to Kalidas and Dholima Meghani. His father Kalidas worked in the Police force and hence was often transferred to new places causing most of Jhaverchand's education to happen in Rajkot. He had two brothers Lalchand and Prabhashankar. He was married to a woman named Damyanti at the age of 24 and following the demise of his wife he married Chitradevi at the age of 36. He had 9 children out of which 3 were girls namely Padmala, Murali and Indu while 6 were boys, namely Mastan, Nanak, Vinod, Ashok, Mahendra, and Jayant.

Early life

He lived a simple and sober life and his simplicity prompted his college mates to call him Raja Janak. He wore a white long coat, a dhoti reaching well down the knees and a turban typically tied around his head was his regular attire. He finished his matriculation in 1912 and completed his B.A in 1917. He started his career in Kolkata and joined Jeevanlal and Co. in 1918 as Personal Assistant and Fondly called Paghadee Babu by his colleagues and workers alike. He was soon promoted as the Manager of the company's factory at Belur, Crown Aluminium. In 1919 he went to England for a four month tour. After coming back to India he continue to work in Kolkata for 2 and half year. Later he returned to Saurashtra and joined the editorial board of the weekly Saurashtra in 1922.

Contribution to the Freedom Struggle

In 1930, he was sentenced for 2 years in jail for writing the book 'Sindhudo' that contained songs to inspire the youth of India that was participating in the struggle for Independence against the British Raj. It is during this time that he wrote 'Kavya Triputi' based on Gandhiji's visit to London for the round table conference. During this period he also started writing short stories independently and served as editor for 'Phoolchaab' magazine.

Publications

In 1926, he ventured into poetry with his book of children poems 'Veni Na Phool' and started writing in 'Janmabhoomi' under the column 'Kalam Ane Kitaab'. He established his reputation as a critic by his independent novels. In 1936 he became the editor of Phoolchaab' In 1942, he ventured into began publishing with his book Marela Na Rudhir. In 1945, after retiring from 'Phoolchaab' he concentrated on personal writing. In 1946 his book Mansai Na Deeva was awarded the 'Mahida award'. The same year he was elected to head the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad's Sahitya Section. In 1929, he gave 6 lectures for 'Gyan Prasarak Mandali' . He also lectured at Santiniketan owing to his long association with Rabindranath Tagore. Meghani was also known as a Manbhatt poet due to his significant contribution to folk ballads

Folklores

Doshi Ni Vato 7
Sorthi Baharvatia 3-1929
Kankavati 1-1927
Kankavati 2-1928
Dadajini Vato-1927
Sorthi Santo-1928
Sorthi Geetkathao-1931
Puratan Jyot-1938
Rang Che Barot-1945
Loksahitya-1939
Pagandino Panth-1942
Charano Ane Charani-1943
Dhartinu Dhavan-1944
Loksahitya Nu Samalochan-1946
Poems[edit]
Veni Na Phool-1927
Killol-1930
Sindhudo-1930
Yugvandana-1935
Ektaro-1940
Bapuna Parna-1943
Ravindra Veena-1944
Folk Songs[edit]
Radhiyali Raat 1-1925
Radhiyali Raat 2-1925
Radhiyali Raat 3-1927
Radhiyali Raat 4-1942
Chundadi 1-1928
Chundadi 2-1929
Rutugeeto-1929
Halarda-1929
Sorthi Santvani-1947
Sorthiya Duha-1947
Drama[edit]
Rano Pratap (Translation)-1923
Raja Rani-1924
Shah Jahan (Translation)-1927
Vanthela-1933
Travelogue[edit]
Saurashtrana Khandaroma-1928
Sorathne Tire Tire-1933
Parkamma-1946
Chellu Prayan-1947
Short Stories[edit]
Kurbani Ni Kathao-1922
Chinta Na Angara 1-1931
Chinta Na Angara 2-1932
Jail Office Ni Baari-1934
Dariyaparna Bahrvatiya-1932
Pratimao-1932
Palkara-1935
Dhup Chaya-1935
Meghanini Navlikao 1 and 2-1942
Vilopan-1946
Anu nam te dhani
Novels[edit]
Satya Ni Shodhma-1932
Niranjan-1936
Vasundharana Vhala Davla-1939
Sorath tara vaheta pani-1937
Samarangan-1928
Aparadhi-1938
Vevishal-1939
Ra Gangajaliyo -1939
Bidela Dwar-1939
Gujaratno Jay 1-1940
Gujaratno Jay 2-1942
Tulsi Kyaro-1940
Prabhu Padharya-1943
Kalchakra-1947
Biography[edit]
Annie Besant-1927
Hungary no Taaranahaar-1927
Narvir Lalaji-1927
Satyavir Shradhdhanand-1927
Sorathee Santo-1928
Puraatan Jyot -1938
Thakkar Bapa-1939
Akbar Ni Yaadma-1942
Aapnu Ghar-1942
Panch Varas Na Pankhida-1942
Marelana Rudhir-1942
Aapna Gharni Vadhu Vato-1943
Dayanand Sarasvati-1944
Mansaina Deeva-1945[7]
Sant Deveedaas-1946
Vasant-Rajab Smaarak Granth-1947