Manubhai Jodhani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manubhai Jodhani
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Jodhani around 1946
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| Born | Manubhai Jodhani 28 October 1902 Barwala, British India |
| Died | 1979 (aged 73–74) |
| Occupation | Writer, folklorist, ornithologist, botanist, editor |
Manubhai Lallubhai Jodhani (born October 28, 1902 – died December 29, 1979) was a talented writer from Gujarat, India. He wrote in the Gujarati language. He was also very interested in folk stories, birds, and plants. He published more than 15 books during his life.
Contents
The Life of Manubhai Jodhani
Manubhai Jodhani was born on October 28, 1902, in a place called Barwala. This area is now part of the Botad district in Gujarat, India. He went to primary school in Limbdi.
Early Career and Freedom Fight
In 1920, Manubhai became a school teacher in Barwala. However, in 1930, he decided to leave his teaching job. He wanted to join the Indian Independence Movement. This was a big movement where people worked to make India free from British rule.
Manubhai played an important part in the Salt Satyagraha (a peaceful protest) at Dholera. This protest was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Because of his role, the British police wanted to arrest him.
Working with Books and Magazines
After this, Manubhai joined a bookselling company called Jivanlal Amarshi Booksellers. He also worked with different magazines. He was a sub-editor for Stribodh. For 39 years, he was the editor of Strijivan magazine.
He was also part of a special group set up by the Government of Gujarat. This group worked to promote folk literature, which means traditional stories and songs.
Family Life
Manubhai Jodhani passed away on December 29, 1979. His son, Vasantkumar Jodhai, also became a writer. Vasantkumar wrote books about science and animals.
Manubhai Jodhani's Writings
Manubhai Jodhani wrote many important works, especially in folk literature. He was also an expert on birds and plants. He was one of the first writers to create stories about the plants and animals found in Gujarat.
Folk Literature and Stories
His books about folk literature include:
- Sorathi Javahir (published in 1930)
- Sorathi Vibhuto (published in 1964)
- Randalna Geeto
- Gujarati Loksahitya Mala (which he wrote with Manjula Majmudar and Bachubhai Raval)
- Janpad (published in 1940, 1944, and 1955), which contained sketches.
He also wrote short stories, such as Shilvati (1928) and Sundariona Shangar. His only novel was called Nagmati (1932).
Books for Young Readers
Manubhai also wrote books especially for children:
- Khatimithi Balavato
- Kumaroni Pravaskatha
Writings on Nature
As an ornithologist (someone who studies birds) and botanist (someone who studies plants), he wrote several books about nature:
- Padarni Vanaspati I-II (1954–55), about plants in the area.
- Anganana Pankhi I-II (1955–56), about birds in the courtyard.
- Padarna Pankhi (1956), about birds in the fields.
He also translated a book called Bindur Chhele by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay into Gujarati, naming it Bindu (1939). Manubhai also helped publish a memoir by Manuben Gandhi, called Last Glimpses of Bapu.
How Manubhai Jodhani is Remembered
Today, there is a road named after Manubhai Jodhani in Paldi, Ahmedabad. This shows how much his work is valued.
