39 Facts About Narmad

Narmad is considered to be the founder of modern Gujarati literature.

Narmad faced economic struggles but proved himself as a dedicated reformer, speaking loudly against religious and social orthodoxy.

Narmad was born in Surat, Gujarat on 24 August 1833 to Lalshankar and Navdurga.

Narmad commenced schooling with Nana Mehta in Bhuleshwar, Bombay at age five.

Narmad later joined Fakir Mehta and Ichchha Mehta's school in Surat and moved to Bombay where he attended the Government Gujarati school of Balgovind Mehta at Pydhonie.

Narmad returned to Surat where he attended the school of Durgaram Mehta and Pranshankar Mehta.

Narmad started studying at the English School, Elphinstone Institute, Bombay on 6 January 1845, beginning college in June 1850.

Narmad delivered his first public speech Mandali Malvathi Thata Labh that same year.

Narmad's mother died on 23 November 1850 and he left college.

Narmad was appointed a teacher at the school of Rander on 1 May 1851.

Narmad again recited his early essay in Swadesh Hitechchhu Mandali and started Gyansagar magazine in July 1851.

Narmad was transferred to a school in Nanpara in March 1853.

Narmad returned to college on the suggestion of his friend Jhaverilal Umiyashankar and joined Buddhi Vardhak Sabha, a literary group in June 1854.

Narmad became interested in poetry and started writing in September 1855, studying literary metre over the following year.

Narmad presided over Buddhivardhak Granth from March to December 1856.

Narmad started at Central School as a teacher in February 1858, then resigned in November 1858 after deciding to pursue a literary career.

Narmad studied Sanskrit grammar and poetry in Pune from November 1858 to March 1859.

Narmad visited Income Tax Commissioner Curtis regarding a surcharge on 3 February 1863.

Narmad moved back to Surat in July 1865 and sheltered Savitagauri, a widow, in a neighbouring house.

Narmad was banished from his caste due to reform activities on 18 August but reinstated on 21 November 1866.

Narmad published Nayikavishaypravesh and Uttam Nayika dedicated to his then separated wife, Dahigauri.

Narmad had debts of 10,000 that caused him great concern.

Narmad published summaries of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Iliad in 1870.

Narmad published the school version of Narmagadya in 1874 and the edition for the government in 1875.

Narmad moved back again to Bombay in March 1875, where he met Dayanand Saraswati, a reformist and founder of Arya Samaj, and started to become deeply religious.

Narmad published the first dictionary of Gujarati language in March 1876.

Narmad founded Vedsarasvati in Sarasvatimandir of Surat on 16 April 1877.

Narmad wrote a play, Shri Sarshakuntal in 1881 which was performed.

Narmad's health failing due to the stress of work starting a hostel, he left his job on 19 July 1885.

Narmad is considered to be the founder of modern Gujarati literature.

Narmad introduced many creative forms of writing to the Gujarati language, including pioneering works in autobiography, poetry, lexicography, historical plays and folk literature research.

Narmad was a strong opponent of religious fanaticism and orthodoxy.

Narmad promoted nationalism and patriotism with famous songs such as Sahu Chalo Jeetva Jang, wrote about self-government and discussed having one national language, Hindustani, for all of India, nearly five decades before Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru.

Narmad's major collected works are Narmagadya, collection of prose; Narmakavita, collection of poems; Narmakathakosh, collection of stories of characters of mythological literature and Narmakosh, dictionary.

Narmad introduced new subjects in modern Gujarati poetry such as social reform, freedom, patriotism, nature and love, etc.

Narmad married Gulab, daughter of Surajram Shastri of Sudder Court, Surat, on 29 April 1844.

Narmad gave a birth to girl in 1852 who died 15 days later.

Narmad married Subhadra, a widow of his caste, in 1869, breaking the customary taboo against widow remarriage.

Just at the time when Narmad was emerging into celebrity, Dalpatram who had already won his laurels, happened to visit Bombay for treatment of his eyes.