Pingalshi Brahmanand Gadhvi

Pingalshi Meghanand Gadhvi (27 July 1914 – 31 May 1998) was a Gujarati folklorist, writer, singer and proponent of Charan literature from Saurashtra. Throughout his lengthy career, Gadhavi made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Gujarat's folklore and folk music as both a performer and scholar.

Biography Pingalshi was born on 27 July 1914 in Chhatrava village near Junagadh, Gujarat, British India. Under the tutelage of his father, Meghanand Gadhavi, and elder brother, Merubha Gadhavi, Pingalashi Gadhavi received an initiation in folklore and singing. Throughout his lengthy career, Pingalashi made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Gujarat's folklore and folk music as both a performer and scholar. He conducted meticulous research, mentored students, and delivered captivating performances.

He wrote folk literature in various genres and was featured regularly on Gujarati television channels and radio shows. He died on 31 May 1998 in Jamnagar in Gujarat.

Positions held PositionOrganizationTermPrincipalFolklore Institute, Junagadh 1955—1966MemberGujarat State Cultural Programme Certification BoardMemberGujarat State Folklore Committee, AhmedabadMemberFolklore Advisory CommitteeMemberGujarat Sahitya Academy

Works Gadhavi dedicated himself to gathering and publishing an extensive collection of folk tales, folk songs, and plays, which have been compiled into approximately 20 volumes. He authored Khamirvanta Manavi (1972), Chanda darshan (1991), Venudada (1978), Gandhikula (1969, about the ancestors of Mahatma Gandhi and some songs), Khamirvanti Kathao (1996), Bhavni Bhet (1998), Baharvatiyo Bhupat (1978), Mrutyuno Malkat (1996, short stories). Saurashtra: Satyam Shivam Sundaram (2000) was published by his son Laxman in his honour.

Poetry

Pingal Kavya, 1952 Sarhadno Sangram, 1962 Gita Dohavali, 1969 Arudh, 1973 Chhanda Shatak

Folk literature

Jivatar-na Jokh, 1964; Pragvad-na Pankhi, 1965; Yug Avtar, Jivan Zalak; Dhundhimal

Novel

Nam Rahanta Thakkara, 1980

Recognition

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990 for his contribution to the Gujarati folk music. Gujarat State Gaurav Puraskar (1969) Gaurav Purskar by Gujarat Sangeet Nritya Natya Akademi (1978) Title of 'Charani Sahitya Vidvan ' from Saurashtra University (1969)