Gujarati Literature - Era or Yug

Era or Yug

Such factors as the policies of the rulers, the living style of the people, and the worldwide influence on society are important for any literature to flourish. In Gujarat, due to the development of trade and commerce, the religious influence of Jainism as well as Hinduism, and also due to the safety and encouragement of rulers like Siddhraj, Solanki and Vaghela Rajputs, literary activities were in full force from the 11th century. Literature in Gujarati is sometimes also classified into two broad categories, namely poetry and prose, the former savouring and basking in its long lineage, dating back to the 6th century. Poetry as a perception was a medium for expressing religious beliefs and judgements, a stronghold of medieval Indian times. In this context of gradual evolution, the history of Gujarati literature is generally classed into three broad periods, consisting of the Early period (up to c. 1450 AD), the Middle period (up to 1850 AD) and the Modern period (1850 AD. onwards). However, Gujarati literature and its tremendous maturation and proficiency in contributing to culture is retraced back to sultanate days (referring to the Muzaffarid dynasty, which had provided the sultans of Gujarat in western India from 1391 to 1583).

Gujarati literature is divided mainly into two eras or 'Yug', the medieval and modern, with these eras being further subdivided.

The medieval ara (1000 AD-1850 AD) is subdivided into 'before Narsinh' and 'after Narsinh' periods. Some scholars further subdivide it as 'Rasa yug', 'Sagun Bhakti' and 'Nirgun Bhakti'.

The modern era (1850 AD to date) is divided into 'Sudharak Yug' or 'Narmad Yug', 'Pandit Yug' or 'Govardhan Yug', 'Ghandhi Yug', 'Anu-Ghandhi Yug', 'Adhunik Yug' and 'Anu-Adunik Yug'.