Govardhanram Tripathi (Gujarati: ગોવર્ધનરામ માધવરામ ત્રિપાઠી) was a novel writer of Gujarati literature.
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Govardhanram Tripathi was born in Nadiad, India on 20 October 1855 on the day of the Dasara festival.
In 1875, he completed his BA degree and decided to pursue an LLB as well, however, he vowed never to work under anyone else and started his own practice in Mumbai. In 1883, he completed his LLB and began working at his practice in 1884. At the age of 43, he retired early and settled in his hometown to contribute to the world of Gujarati literature and also to take part in selfless service, working and offering this work to God, in keeping with the traditions of many Indian religions.
Shri. Govardhanram Tripathi died in Mumbai on the evening of 4 January 1907.
Tripathi wrote the novel "Saraswatichandra (1-4)", which is not only considered to be the best Gujarati novel, but is also seen as one of the best novels ever written. He was the first president of the "Gujarati Sahitya Parishad" in 1905.
During his lifetime, he wrote constantly, and soon became known as Gujarat's most popular writer, thinker, poet and philosopher. He wrote in varied styles, but became one of the greatest Indian experts, and marked an important milestone in the history of Gujarati literature with his magnum opus, 'Saraswatichandra'. He was also fluent in English, and wrote his very famous 'Scrap Book' in the language.
In 1887, "Saraswatichandra (1)" was published, and was followed by volumes 2, 3 and 4 in 1892, 1898, and 1901, respectively.
He also took an active role in the Indian congress during 1902; and in 1905, he was elected head of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad. He also wrote various articles and essays in the papers 'Vasant' and 'Samalochak', which were later published as books.
Indicative list of books by Govardhanram Tripathi:
1) SnehMudra 2) Saraswatichandra: 1-2-3-4 3) Leelavati Jeevankala 4) Navalram Nu Kavi Jeevan 5) Dayaram No Akshardeh 6) Samalochak 7) Sadavastu Vichar 8) Classical Poets of Gujarat 9) Scrap Book
The period from year 1885 to 1915 is called "Govardhan-Yug" or "Govardhan-Era" in Gujarati literature.