Kaviraj Shyamaldas
Indian historian (1836–1893)
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Mahamahopadhayaya Kaviraja Shyamaldas Dadhivadia (1836–1893), popularly referred to as Kaviraja (Hindi: king of poets) was one of the early writers involved in documenting the history and culture of what is now Rajasthan region of India.[1]
Shyamaldas | |
|---|---|
Kaviraja Shyamaldas portrait at Government of Rajasthan Museum, Udaipur | |
| Born | 1836 Udaipur, Mewar |
| Died | 1893 (aged 56–57) |
| Occupations | Historian, Prime Minister of Mewar |
| Notable work | Vir Vinod |
| Title | Mahamahopadhyaya |
| Spouse | 2 |
| Children | 4 |
| Parents |
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| Honours | Kesar-e-Hind (Lion of India) |
Authorship
Shyamaldas co-wrote ( with his father Kayamadana Dadhivadia ) the Dipanga Kul Prakash, an extended narrative poem on the Dodia Rajputs of Mewar.[2] Maharana Sajjan Singh, ruler of Udaipur (princely state), assigned Shyamaldas the task of compiling an authentic history of Mewar.[3] Titled Vir Vinod ( Hindi: Heroes' Delight ), this is the earliest known comprehensive history written in Mewar.[4] It reached the public only in 1930 as Maharana Fateh Singh ( Maharana Sajjan Singh's successor) was averse to its publication.[5]
Negotiator and mentor
Shyamaldas was also a confidant of Maharana Sajjan Singh and was entrusted with the delicate negotiations which resulted in a quick end to the Bhil rebellion of 1881.[6] Later, Shyamaldas' pupil, Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha also became a famed historian and writer.[citation needed]
Honors and awards
Shyamaldas was honored with the degree of Mahamahopadhayaya and conferred with the Kesar-e-Hind ( Lion of India) by the British Government.[7]
