Dhumketu

Dhumketu Biography

Dhumketu was a well-known short story writer associated with Gujarati literature. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in storytelling. His real name is Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi. He published twenty-four collections of short stories, 32 novels based on social and historical subjects, and plays and travelogues. He wrote 492 short stories in total. Tankha Mandal published in 4 volumes – is among his major works. He was given Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1935 which he refused. He received Narmad Suvarna Chandrak in 1949.

Gaurishankar Govardhanram Joshi was born on 12 December 1892 in Virpur, Rajkot State in British India. He was born into a Brahmin family as the third son of Govardhanram Joshi. After studies, he taught at Virpur School. It was during these years when he made reading a habit and drew interest towards it. He read biographies, historical novels etc. He got married Kashiben, the daughter of Gaurishankar Bhatt. During his academic years a large library helped him a lot. He served as a clerk at Gondal in railway in 1923 and then taught at a private school started by Ambalal Sarabhai, an Indian industrialist from Ahmedabad. It was during these years he turned more active in writing career.

As a writer, Tankha in 4 volumes is among his major short story works. Avashesh, Pradeep, Mallika Ane Biji Vartao,Tribheto, Aakashdeep, Parivesh, Anamika, Vanchhaya, Pratibimba, Vanrekha, Jaldeep, Vankunj, Vanrenu, Mangaldeep, Chandrarekha, Nikunj, Sandhyarang, Sandhyatej, Vasantakunj and Chhello Jhabakaro are other major short story collections. He also authored a collection of English poems, with The Letter being the most popular one. He published several books for children, novels, biographies, reflective essays, satires and plays. He passed away on 11 March 1965 aged 72.

Published: January 07, 2019

Updated: January 07, 2019