Premanand Krushanram Bhatt (1636–1714), also known as Premanand, was a medieval Gujarati poet and Maanbhatt (professional story teller) known for his Akhyana compositions.
Statue of Premanand placed near Faculty of Arts in M. S. University, Vadodara
He was born in 1636 at Vadodara in the caste of the Nandora Chaturvanshi Brahmins. In colophons of his Akhyanas, he remarked such as, "Place of braves called Vadodara, Situated in the middle of Gujarat, caste Chaturvanshi Bramins, Bhatt Premanand is the name". In those times, Gujarat was ruled by Mughal governor Aurangzeb. At that time it was openly said:
"Marwari language is valued at 16 aanas (equiv. to 1 Rupee), Kachhi language is valued at 12 aanas; Marathi language is valued at 8 aanas, while Gujarati language is valued at 4 paise (equiv. to 1 aana)".
Born at the time when Gujarati language was devalued in such a manner, Premanand vowed that:
"I shall not put on a Turban on my head till the time I earn a respectable position for Gujarati Language".
Share this
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
Join us for free and get valuable content delivered right through your inbox.