Meghani: Poet, Reformer, Icon

લાગ્યો કસુંબીનો રંગ –

રાજ, મને લાગ્યો કસુંબીનો રંગ !

જનનીના  હૈયામાં  પોઢંતા  પોઢંતા  પીધો  કસુંબીનો  રંગ;

ધોળાં  ધાવણ કેરી  ધારાએ  ધારાએ  પામ્યો કસુંબીનો  રંગ… રાજ..

“લાગ્યો કસુંબીનો રંગ” (Laagyo Kasumbino Rang). This lyrical gem, a testament to Meghani’s unparalleled poetic prowess, captivates readers with its evocative imagery and emotional resonance.

Jhaverchand or Zaverchand Kalidas Meghani was an Indian poet, writer, social reformer, and freedom fighter. He is a well-known figure in Gujarati literature. He was born in Chotila, where the Government College has been renamed Raashtreeya Shaayar Zaverchand Meghani College in his honour. On the spur of the moment, Mahatma Gandhi bestowed upon him the title Raashtreeya Shaayar (National Poet). In addition, he got other literary honours, including the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and Mahida Paaritoshik. He wrote almost a hundred novels. His first book, Kurbani Ni Katha (Stories of Martyrdom), was a translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Kathaa-u-Kaahinee. It was released in 1922. 

Being a notable Gujarati thinker and literateur, Meghani viewed the preservation of Saurashtra’s culture as his life’s work. Meghani differentiated himself from the other regionalists by attempting to prevent Saurashtra from being completely subsumed under the present state of Gujarat.

Jhaverchand Meghani a well-known folklorist and a trailblazer in research, rebuilt nearly a hundred stories illustrating valor, honesty, nobility, and so on while traveling widely across Saurashtra. He has written over eighty books of folk tales, biographies, stories, dramas, poetry, and essays.

Meghani was a passionate advocate for the preservation of Gujarat’s folk culture. He embarked on journeys to remote villages, interacting with local communities and recording their folk songs, stories, and traditions. His dedication to conserving this oral tradition culminated in works such as “Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar,” a compilation of folk songs that revealed the intricacies of rural life. Through his efforts, he bridged the generational gap, ensuring that Gujarat’s cultural riches were not lost to time. Meghani’s writings went beyond artistic expression; they were mirrors reflecting his society’s reality. He brought attention to the difficulties of the oppressed, the exploitation of the defenseless, and the society standards that needed to be reexamined via heartbreaking poetry. His poem “Bhagat Singh” illustrates his ability to capture the spirit of the times, eulogizing the sacrifice of the young freedom warrior and serving as a call to resist injustice.

His approach to the collection was not that of a distant observer but of an involved participant. He immersed himself in the community, gaining their trust and respect. This trust was essential because many of these oral traditions were considered sacred and were only shared with those who were seen as genuinely interested and respectful. Meghani’s dedication to documenting these oral traditions was meticulous. He made notes, transcribed songs, and documented the contextual details surrounding each piece of folklore. His efforts culminated in collections like “Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar,” which showcased the richness of Gujarat’s folk heritage.

This approach not only enriched his own understanding of the culture but also ensured that these oral traditions were preserved for posterity. Meghani’s work helped to recognize the significance of these folk expressions and played a crucial role in the preservation of Gujarat’s cultural heritage.

Jhaverchand Meghani’s collection of folk material had a profound and lasting impact on contemporary culture. His efforts laid the foundation for the continued exploration and appreciation of Gujarat’s rich folk heritage. The material he gathered served as a wellspring of inspiration for subsequent generations of artists, writers, and performers. Many folk songs, stories, and traditions that Meghani collected have been adapted into modern music (Mor Bani Thanghat Kare – Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela), theater productions, and cultural events, keeping the spirit of these traditions alive and accessible to wider audiences.

Jhaverchand Meghani’s journey from the quaint town of Chotila to becoming a literary luminary and a catalyst for social reform is a testament to the power of words and actions. His poetry not only painted the vibrant tapestry of Gujarat’s culture but also instigated conversations that drove positive change. As we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded that literature and social reform are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined forces that can shape societies and inspire generations. Jhaverchand Meghani’s legacy continues to inspire us to embrace our roots, challenge norms, and strive for a more equitable world.

List of Notable Works by Meghani:

Poetry Collections:

1. “Sorathi Baharvatiya” (સોરઠી બહારવાટિયા)
2. “Jeevanpanth” (જીવનપંથ)
3. “Aanando Asram” (આનંદો આશ્રમ)
4. “Rashmirathi” (રશ્મિરથી)
5. “Jalal” (જલાલ)
6. “Shobha Samrat” (શોભા સમ્રાટ)
7. “Kankavati” (કંકાવતી)
8. “Chundadi” (ચુંદડી)

Folklore Collections:

1. “Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar” (સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસધાર)
2. “Gujaratno Nath” (ગુજરાતનો નાથ)
3. “Gujaratma Lok Sahitya” (ગુજરાતમાં લોકસાહિત્ય)

Biographies:

1. “Mistry Gheesa” (મિસ્ત્રી ઘીસા)
2. “Mari Hakikat” (મારી હકીકત)
3. “Mandai Ghera” (મંડઈ ઘેરા)
4. “Agnihotra” (અગ્નિહોત્ર)

Children’s Literature:

1. “Saurashtra Ni Rasotsav” (સૌરાષ્ટ્રની રસોત્સવ)
2. “Putlibai” (પુતલીબાઈ)
3. “Khub Ladi Mardani” (ખૂબ લડી મરદાણી)

Travelogues:

1. “Saurashtra Ni Antarvasna” (સૌરાષ્ટ્રની અંતરવાસના)
2. “Jal Jangal Aur Zameen” (જલ જંગલ અને જમીન)

Essays and Prose:

1. “Marmik” (મારમિક)
2. “Saurashtrani Lagnageeto” (સૌરાષ્ટ્રની લગ્નગીતો)

This list provides a glimpse of Jhaverchand Meghani’s prolific literary output, which spanned various genres and themes. His works continue to be celebrated for their artistic depth, cultural significance, and contribution to both literature and social reform.

–An article by Poojan Patel