Chunilal Madia


Chunilal Madia was a Gujarati author from Gujarat, India, primarily known for his novels and short stories set in rural Saurashtra. Recipients of several awards, he is considered as one of the leading writers of Gujarati literature.

Biography

Chunilal Madia's ancestors had immigrated to Dhoraji from Nikava village in Halar region. He was born in middle class Jain Baniya family on 12 August 1922 in Dhoraji to a grocery shop owner Kalidas Jadavji and his wife Prankunwar aka Kasumbabahen. Chunilal was youngest among ten siblings, of whom only five survived till adulthood.
After completing matriculation at Dhoraji, Madia at the age of 19 years shifted to Ahmedabad for higher studies in Commerce faculty. He enrolled as a student at the H. L. College of Commerce. While pursuing his college studies at Ahmedabad, Chunilal Madia joined a daily Prabhat as a journalist and sub-editor. Here his mentor was the veteran journalist Kakalbhai Kothari. He worked in the editing department of Janmabhumi, a Gujarati daily, and Gujarati department of the United States Information Service from 1950 to 1962.
He died on 29 December 1968 in Ahmedabad following heart attack.

Works

Madia is considered as one of the leading writer in Gujarati literature. Although he primarily contributed fiction, his plays both one-act and full-length are a landmark in Gujarati theatre. They have a high literary quality and stage ability. He portrayed rural life and urban life with rustic wisdom and piercing satire. He was founder-editor of Ruchi, a literary monthly.
He is cited as an inheritor of Jhaverchand Meghani for his folk literature based novels which is set in Saurashtra.
;Novels
Pawak Jwala, Vyajno Varas, Eendhan Ochhan Padyan, Vela Velani Chhanyadi, Liludi Dharti, Preetvachhoyan, Sadhara Jesang No Salo, Grahashtak Vatta Ek, Sadharana Salano Salo and Ala Dhadhalnun Jhinjhavadar are his novels set in rural setting. Kumkum Ane Ashka and Indradhanuno Athmo Rang are his other novels which depicts the theme of psychological conflicts of city life.
;Short Stories
He invented realistic approach in his short stories, depicting the rural life of Saurashtra region. His short stories are characterized by an attractive language of the rural people, insight into the inner world of characters and a dramatic turn of events. His short stories are published in several volumes: Ghooghavatan Poor, Gamdun Bole Chhe, Padmaja, Champo Ane Kel, Roop-Aroop, Antahsrota, Madiani Shreshthha Vartao, Jacob Circle Sat Rasta, Kshanardh, Kshat-Vikshat and Khaknun Poyanun . Some of his short stories compiled in vulems: Madiani Pratinidhi Vartao, Chunilal Madiani Chunteli Vartao, Goraj, Madiani Gramkathao, Madiani Hasyakathao and Madiani Samagra Navalikao part- 1,2,3 and 4.
;Compilation of Poems
;Long Plays
;Compilation of One Act Plays
;Compilation of Essays
;Travelogue
;Biographical writings
Compilations of Essays in Criticism
;Miscellaneous
Chunilal Madia Vishesh: Liludi Dharatithi
Amitabh Madia has written a book "Chunilal Madia: Ek Abhyas". It contains a short biography and documentary fact about Madia's work.
;Adaptations
Feature films based on Chunilal Madia's novels and short stories:
He was awarded Narmad Suvarna Chandrak for his play Rangada in 1947 and Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1957.