Narmad

Narmadashankar Lalshankar Dave, commonly known as Narmad, was a prominent 19th-century Gujarati poet, playwright, essayist, and reformer. Born in 1833 in Surat, he became a central figure in the emergence of modern Gujarati literature. He is widely regarded as the founder of modern Gujarati prose and poetry for introducing a more natural, accessible language and for expanding the range of themes.

His work spanned poetry, drama, and prose, and he used literature as a vehicle for social and political reform. He wrote on topics such as education, women’s rights, social equality, and national awakening, and his writings helped spark debates about tradition and modernity in Gujarati society. He experimented with new literary forms and metres, aiming to reach a broader audience beyond scholarly circles.

Narmad's influence extended to the shaping of a Gujarati literary identity during the 19th century and inspired later writers during the Gujarati Renaissance. His advocacy for reform through literature and his emphasis on vernacular expression left a lasting mark on Gujarati culture and language.

He died in 1889, leaving a legacy as one of Gujarat’s most important literary figures. Today, scholars regard Narmad as a pioneering figure who laid the groundwork for modern Gujarati literature and its engagement with social issues and nation-building.