Bherumal Meharchand Advani (1875/76 – 7 July 1950) was a poet and prose writer who wrote in the Sindhi language. In addition, he was a scholar, educationist, novelist, linguist, and historian, having authored over 40 books.
Biography
He was born in Hyderabad, Sindh, which is now part of Pakistan. The exact date and even the year of his birth remain uncertain. It is believed to be either 1875 or 1876. His father's name was Meharchand Advani. He studied at Mission School and Union Academy Hyderabad. The Union Academy, founded by Sadhu Navalrai and Hiranand Shaukiram on October 28, 1888, aimed to provide religious instruction, promote the study of Sanskrit, and foster the character development of the younger generation. At the Union Academy, he learned the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai from renowned scholars Sadhu Hiranand and Tarachand Shaukiram.
He entered into three marriages during his lifetime. From his first wife, he did not have any children. However, from his second marriage, he had one son and one daughter. Additionally, from his third marriage, he had two daughters.
He began his career as a Distillery Inspector in the Salt Department located in Kotri, Sindh. He dedicated 28 years of his life to this department. In 1925, he was appointed as a Sindhi lecturer at D.J. Sindh College in Karachi. Subsequently, he held the position of Chairman of the Sindhi Department at the same college. In 1949, he relocated to India and resided in Pune until his passing on July 7, 1950.
Renowned Indian writer Hiro Thakur has written a book about his biography and contributions.
Contributions
He has authored more than 40 books. Some of his most popular books are listed below. A complete list can be found elsewhere.
Dramas/stories
Some of his drama and stories include: (Ali Baba and Forty Thieves), drama, 1903 , novel, 1910 , translated novel (Drama of cloth venders), drama, 1921 (Sick Nightingale), drama, 1902 , translated novel, 1926 , novel (Greedy), translation of Shakespeare's King John, 1916 , novel , drama, 1925 , translated novel, 1927 (Varial and Naimat), novel, 1910 (Great Social Trial), drama 1925
History
His most popular books on history include: Amilan jo Ahwal (A History of the Amils) Hindustan Ji Tareekh (A History of India), 1909 Qadeem Sindh (Ancient Sindh), 1944 Sindh jay Hinduan ji Tareekh (History of Sindhi Hindus), Part I & II 1946 & 1947 Sodhan ji Sahibi or Ranan Jo Raj (Rule of Sodhas and Reign of Ranas), 1924
Linguistic
He was a lover of Sindhi language, grammar and social sciences. He was also well versed in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. As a language expert and grammarian, he authored many books including the following: Alif Bay Keenan Thahi (How did alphabet come into being), 1925 Ghareeb-ul-Lughat (Dictionary of Sindhi), 1907 Gulqand - Part I & II 1940 & 1945 Pahakan Ji Peerih Rītun ain Rasman jo buniyādu (Origin of Rituals and Customs) Sindhi Boli (Sindhi Language), 1925 Sindhi Bolia Ji Tareekh (History of Sindhi Language) Wado Sindhi Waya Karan (Advanced Sindhi Grammar), 1925
Poetry
He adopted the name "Gharib" (Humble) in his poetry. His poetic works can be classified into two categories: those intended for children and those for adults. In 1926, he published a poetry collection titled "Gulzar-e-Nazem" (Garden of Poetry), specifically aimed at children.
Latifiyat
He was a master of the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, the greatest Sufi poet of Sindh. One of his masterpieces is the book titled "Latifi Sair" (Latif's Travel, 1929), in which he vividly depicted Shah Latif's journey to Hinglaj, Girnar, and Thar. Additionally, he has authored other books on the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, including:
Bhitai Ghot
Gurbukshania varo Shah jo Risalo
Sur Sorath
Other books
Advani authored and compiled a number of other books which include the following:
Bahar-e-Naser
Chund Kalam: Shah, Sami, Sachal, Dilpat, Bedil, Bekus, Ruhal ain Deewan-i Gulaman Cunda Dey ain Wath Gulzar-e-Naser: Selection from modern prose Mahan-jo-Daro, one of the most ancient sites of the East which has aroused world-wide interest Sindh ain Sindhi Sindh Jo Sailani