Dalpatram

Dalpatram Dahyabhai Travadi (દલપતરામ ડાહ્યાભાઈ ત્રવાડી) (21 January 1820 – 25 March 1898) was a Gujarati language poet, playwright and thinker during the British colonial era in India. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Gujarati literature.

Dalpatram was born in Vadhwan, Gujarat. He is known for his poems advocating social reform, particularly against child marriage and caste discrimination. He also contributed significantly to the development of Gujarati prose and literary criticism.

His notable works include:

• Lakshmi Natak (play) - considered one of the first Gujarati plays.
• Vencharitra (collection of poems)
• Hunnarkhannu Chadhan (essay)
• Several poems and articles on widow remarriage, education, and social reform.

Dalpatram was a prominent figure in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. He worked closely with Alexander Kinloch Forbes in promoting the Gujarati language and establishing the Gujarat Vernacular Society (later known as the Gujarat Vidya Sabha). He played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on social issues and promoting education in Gujarat. His writings and activism helped pave the way for social and literary progress in the region.