Damodar Botadkar

Damodar Botadkar Biography

Damodar Botadkar was a noted poet of Gujarati language who lived during the period 1870-1924. Apart from poetry collections he has also contributed to Gujarati literature in the form of plays. His works were often heavily influenced by Sanskrit language. Yet he also wrote poems in traditional Rasa or Garba style. His early works were Sanskrit-laden while his later works were focused on traditional family life and social life. Kallolini (1912), Srotsvini (1918), Nirjharini (1921), Ras-tarangini (1923), Shaivalini (1925) etc were among his poetry works Shaivalini was published posthumously. He wrote numerous poems on females and social life in Rasa style. Swayamvar Vidhithi Sukhi Dampati nu Natak is his published play.               

Damodar Khushaldas Botadkar was born in Botad on 27 November 1870. After his primary education he started his career as a teacher at the age of only 13. He tried luck in business several times, though couldn’t succeed. In 1893 he moved to Mumbai where he started editing a religious publication of Pushtimarg, a Vaishnav sect of the Hinduism, founded by Vallabhacharya. He learnt Sanskrit during this time and returned to his hometown after 14 years following health issues. He resumed his teaching career later. Damodar passed away on 7 September 1924 aged only 53.

His works towards the later phase of life became popular for giving a sketch of intimate pictures of family life in simple and tender language. Kallolini, Ras-tarangini, Srotsvini and Nirjharini belong to this category. Belonged to the group of Gujarati progressive writers his themes and works gave great emphasis on human relationships. He was quite popular for his garba (folk) songs and chose words in accordance to his medium. His poems appealed to his readers.

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Updated: April 03, 2016