Kaviraj Shyamaldas

Shyamaldas Dadhavadhia, a barot, popularly referred to as Kaviraj (Hindi:king of poets) Shyamaldas was one of the early writers involved in documenting the history and culture of the Rajasthan region of India.[1]

Authorship

Kaviraj Shyamaldas co-wrote ( with his father Kayamadana Dadhavadhia ) the Dipanga Kul Prakash, an extended narrative poem on the Dodia Rajputs of Mewar.[2] Maharana Sajjan Singh, ruler of Udaipur (princely state), assigned Mahamahopadhayaya Kaviraj Shyamaldas the arduous task of compiling an authentic history of Mewar.[3] Titled the Vir Vinod ( Hindi: Heroes' Delight ), this is the earliest known comprehensive history written in Mewar.[4] It reached the public only in 1930 as Maharana Fateh Singh ( Maharana Sajjan Singh's successor) was averse to its publication.[5]

Negotiator and mentor

Kaviraj Shyamaldas was also a confidant of Maharana Sajjan Singh and was entrusted with the delicate negotiations which resulted in a quick end to the Bhil rebellion of 1881.[6] Later, Kaviraj Shyamaldas' pupil, Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha also became a famed historian and writer.

Honors and awards

The Kaviraj was honored with the degree of Mahamahopadhayaya and conferred with the Kesar-e-Hind ( Lion of India) by the British Government.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Sharma, Dasharatha (1970) Lectures on Rajput history and culture p1 Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi
  2. ↑ Library of Congress catalog
  3. ↑ Srivastava VS (1981) Cultural contours of India p37 Abhinav Publications Delhi ISBN 978-0-391-02358-1
  4. ↑ Gupta RK, Bakshi SR (2008) Studies in Indian History The heritage of Rajputs p247 Sarup & Sons, New Delhi ISBN 978-81-7625-841-8
  5. ↑ Studies in Indian History Vol 4 The heritage of Rajputs p 255
  6. ↑ Pati, Biswamoy Editor (2000) Issues in modern Indian history p88 Popular Prakashan Pvt Ltd Mumbai ISBN 978-81-7154-658-9
  7. ↑ Cultural contours of India p37

External links