Want to know the Best Gujarati Books in India? Well, you have landed on the right article. Reading books has become one of the most popular hobbies, especially since the lockdown.
Reading books in many genres enables the reader to expand their knowledge and develop a powerful vocabulary.
Many publications exist that provide crucial knowledge about science or history. Many books are offered in several languages.
There are several novels written in Gujarati that provide readers with inspirational tales and teachings.
Many Gujarati literature offers a distinct viewpoint and a wealth of knowledge about historical events. The best Gujarati novels to read are well-liked and full of culture.
Many well-known Gujarati authors, like Ashwini Bhatt, K.M. Munshi, Amrita Pritam, and others, have published works in a variety of genres, including suspense, romance, and thrillers.
Many Gujarati leaders’ autobiographies, particularly those of Mahatma Gandhi, are also highly well-liked and read all throughout the nation.
Here are some of the top 10 gujarati books to read:-
List Of Top 15 Best Gujarati Books in India (2023)
Table of content
1. Vevishal
One of Jhaverchand Meghani’s most well-known works in Gujarati, Vevishal is a history-based novel.
Many people use this book to comprehend Gujarati literature. Those who enjoy suspense will adore this novel.
Vevishal is a 292 page book that was initially published in Gujarati. It contains a 1938 narrative that is really futuristic.
Synopsis: Two small-town merchant families swear to wed their grown offspring, Sukhlal and Sushila.
Before that happens, Sushila’s family moves to 43 Mumbai and becomes affluent. Chaak Sheth, the affluent family’s “patriarch,” is adamant about keeping the promised union at a distance.
Without taking sides, Vevishaal depicts the narrative of the subsequent battle between a wealthy, vicious man and his presumed lowly rivals.
The clash at the end of the narrative shows all the key characters at the height of their growth.
2. Aakhet
Aakhet is the first of Ashwini Bhatt’s three follow-up novels. There are elements of romance, bravery, and adventures in this Gujarati book.
One of Ashwini Bhatt’s best books is this one. 1500 pages long and initially written in Gujarati, this book has been translated into English.
This book costs around Rs. 1100. this book initially
Synopsis: Vasant Gaonkar, the proprietor of a vast manufacturing conglomerate, is the subject of this synopsis.
The account of an abandoned orphan beside some railroad tracks. The account of a police officer who was discharged.
3. The Book Of Yudhishthira
The Book Of Yudhishthira is the seventh installment of Krishnavatara, a seven-volume continuation of Krishna’s life and exploits.
The foundation of The Book of Yudhishthira is spirituality and religion. K.M. Munshi is the book’s author.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is the publisher of this 262-page book. This book costs between Rs. 260 and 320.
Synopsis: This book summarises the significant occasions leading up to the battle of Kurukshetra and ends with the conflict itself.
The Kauravas ruled over Hastinapur, leaving the Pandavas to live in the desolate wasteland of Khadavaprastha. However, they turned it into a gorgeous setting and invite kings to hold the Rajasuya there.
When Krishna is honored, there is a significant struggle. The Pandavas are then invited to play the well-known dice game by the Kauravas, which results in their banishment and the Mahabharat War.
4. Shailaji Sagar
Ashwini Bhatt is the author of the fictional Shailaja Sagar. 171 pages long and initially published in Gujarati. This book has been translated into English.
It was released by Navbharat Sahitya Mandir in 1979. Many well-known Gujarati books by Ashwini Bhatt have attracted a lot of attention.
Synopsis: As if the devil had joined forces with Shailaja, the phone rings on the inflated mattress floating in the swimming pool, ringing the bell, and Shailaja’s life is shaken.
The narrative of Prema-Inderjit, Shailaja-Sanjeev, slithers into a world where one must use a dagger to survive and a gun to navigate!
5. Jai Somnath
K.M. Munshi is the author of the well-known historical tale Jai Somnath. It was initially published in Gujarati and is a highly motivating book.
It includes all of India’s historical invasions and battles. The price range for this 264-page book is between Rs. 186 and 200.
Synopsis: People travel to the highly revered temple of Lord Somanath in Prabhas for darshan and devotion. Chaula, who first appears in the story, is a very young temple dancer.
She is just eighteen years old, yet on a particular day, she gets the honor of dancing before the Lord.
She is congratulated by everyone. She meets Bheemdev and falls in love with him right away. Mahmud of Ghazni destroys the temple, and this book details the events leading up to that destruction.
6. Gandhi
Gunvant B. Shah also authored the Gujarati book, Gandhi. The book is 353 pages long and was initially written in Gujarati.
The book costs roughly 200 dollars and is also available in Hindi. In the book, Gandhi’s life and his resistance to British authority are discussed.
Synopsis: The author has broken up the content into distinct major headings.
He explains several of Gandhi’s principles in the first half, many of which the younger generation or the generation now will vehemently disagree with.
They include ideas like celibacy and the defense of cows. In the next section, he continues by outlining some of Mahatma’s positive traits.
One of them is continuing to act with the utmost honesty in the face of difficulty. The capacity to always live a transparent and open life would be another.
7. Pinjar
Gujarati author Amrita Pritam is the author of the book Pinjar. It has 128 pages and is one of the greatest Gujarati books.
The original version was penned in Gujarati. It is a well-known work of fiction. This book costs around Rs. 134. Hindi is another language in which it is available.
Synopsis: The protagonist of the book is Puro, a Hindu girl who was abducted by a Muslim guy.
The partition between India and Pakistan is when this tale takes place. Rashid kidnaps Puro and takes her away from her house.
She leaves the buzz and gets back to her home. On the other side, if Rashid’s daughter escapes, Puro’s parents won’t agree to adopt her.
8. Malela Jeev
A romance story called Malela Jeev explores the challenges that individuals have when they fall in love and come from different castes.
This book does an excellent job of capturing the true nature of society under these circumstances.
Pannalal Patel wrote Malela Jeev, which was first released in the 1940s.
It was first written in Gujarati and afterward translated into other languages. The length of this great work is 272 pages. The cost of this book is between Rs. 175-220
Synopsis: Caste divides in the synopsis The villages of Jogipara and Udharia in Idar are home to Kanji and Jivi.
The Janmashtami Fair is where they first met and fell in love. They couldn’t get married because of their distinct caste backgrounds.
At the residence of Kanji’s older brother, social duties also exist. On the other side, without Jivi, he is sinking. One of Jivi’s friends, Hiro, suggests that he wed Dhula, the local barber who lives in their neighborhood.
In the end, Kanji weds Jivi to Dhula with Hira after a lengthy battle within himself. His approach doesn’t lead to the intended results.
Kanji’s plan is foiled by Dhula’s dubious character, despotism, and abuse of Jivi. Kanji’s indecisiveness and godly demeanor also contribute to his doom. Kanji travels from the country to the city to avoid Jivi.
In the meantime, Jivi has made an attempt at suicide because she is tired of the regular fights and beatings.
On the other side, after her dictatorial husband, Dhulo is unintentionally killed, she has a mental breakdown over her beloved Kanji. Following the development of his spiritual love, Kanji moved back to the city to be with Jivi.
9. Nirja bhargav
In the Gujarati novel Nirja Bhargav, there is a suspenseful and thrilling plot. One of Ashwini Bhatt’s greatest Gujarati books is this one.
This book falls under the thrill-and-suspense genre. 226 pages long and originally published in Gujarati, Nirja Bhargav is a book.
It was released by Navbharat in 2012. This book has a price range of 160 to 200 rupees.
Synopsis: Nirja Bhargav is the story’s main character, according to the synopsis. Who rings a station master’s doorbell at twelve o’clock in the morning?
He hides her before finding a corpse on his bed. After then, a sequence of events involving the police, the drug cartel, and other individuals, including Dr. Bhargav and Dr. Malu, among others, take place.
10. Satya Na paryogo
The experiences of Mahatma Gandhi and the battles to live in an independent India are the major topics of Satya Na Paryogo.
This book outlines Mahatma’s nonviolent, truthful route to freedom.
There are 210 pages in this autobiography by Mahatma Gandhi.
Gujarati was the original language used to write Satya Na Paryogo. It was first released by Navjivan in 1927.
Synopsis: The opening page of the book declares a bargain the author made with his readers and describes the reasons for it.
The series that follows is chronologically ordered and starts with a genealogy of his ancestors.
Then, he goes into great detail about his upbringing, time spent in South Africa, and his activities since coming back to India.
The narrative came to an abrupt end in 1921, four years before he started writing his memoirs.
The last chapter discusses his denial of the widespread acclaim he got at the Indian National Congress session in Nagpur.
The book details Gandhi’s self-experimentation throughout his search for truth, which he determined to be true for him.
11. Manvini bhavai
Pannalal Patel’s Gujarati book Manvini Bhavai, which is set during the 1899–1900 Indian famine, portrays this time period.
This book explores the romance between Kalu and Raju as well as what it was like for farmers to survive the famine.
V.Y. Kantak translated this book from its original Gujarati language version into English in 1995.
A Gujarati movie scene from this book was also made in 1993. This book has 382 pages and is priced between Rs. 260 and 308.
Synopsis: Kalu, the son of Vala Patel, and Raju, the daughter of Gala Patel, fall in love in the film Manvi Ni Bhavai. Although they are in love and want to be married, they both have other obligations.
The last scene in Patel’s love story, which takes place during the Indian famine of 1899–1900, features the first raindrops, signifying the end of hunger.
12. Himalayano Pravas
A fantastic book that explores the Himalayas’ inner beauty is called Himalayano Pravas.
Sitting calmly at home, you may read about the Himalayas in great detail.
Kakasaheb Kalelkar is the author of the book Himalayano Pravas. The 233 pages of this book, which was initially written in Gujarati, were published.
Navjivan Trust is the book’s publisher. This book’s price ranges from 70 to 94 rupees.
Synopsis: This book’s plot revolves around a pilgrimage. All sources agree that this book about the Himalayas is excellent. It also shows the magnificence of the spectacular mountain range itself.
The author took a footbridge across the Himalayan Mountains (Uttarakhand). The physical journey recounted here took place over two months.
The breathtaking majesty of the Himalayas, as well as the locations and inhabitants, are all described in great detail in the travelogue.
It makes me think of the Himalayan valley’s strange splendour. You will be interested in the Himalayas after reading this book.
13. Othaar
Ashwini Bhatt’s Othaar is a well-known Gujarati book. The struggle and journey of the freedom fighters against the Britishers are described in this book.
The novel’s entire experience is exquisitely portrayed, which will pique your curiosity in reading the remainder of the book.
Othaar, a 955-page book with its first publication in Gujarati, was written in that language.
In 1984, Othaar was initially released. The Gujarati novel and its sequel are available in sets of two. The set costs between 850 and 900 rupees.
Synopsis: The 1857 Indian Rebellion is the central theme of the narrative. This book does an excellent job of depicting the tales of the 1850s monarchs, the British Raj, and independence fighters.
It recounts Jabalpur’s locations. It discusses love tales, especially those that are thrilling and suspenseful.
14. The Five Brothers
The Five Brothers are the third installment of Krishnavatara, a seven-volume continuation of Krishna’s life and exploits.
The third book, The Five Brothers, concludes with Draupadi’s swayamvar. K.M. Munshi is the author of this book.
The 632-page novel Five Brothers were first released on January 26, 1968, by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
This book costs between 300 and 500 rupees. This Gujarati book has been published worldwide in English and in many other languages.
Synopsis: A romance is woven within the seven-volume story Krishnavatara, which centers on Krishna’s life and travels.
He was a diplomat, sage, and man of action with a personality that shone with the brilliance of a deity.
He was brilliant and brave, loving and loved, forward-thinking but present, endowed with sage-like detachment yet deeply human.
15. Saraswatichandra
Govardhanram Tripathi wrote the Gujarati book Saraswatichandra. The feudalism that existed in India in the 19th century is the setting for this work.
This book was written over a period of over 15 years, and there are three further sequels.
Three further sequels to Saraswatichandra’s initial section were released in 1892, 1898, and 1902, respectively.
The price of this Gujarati book is Rs. 700 for the hardback and Rs. 588 for the Kindle version.
Saraswatichandra was initially written in Gujarati and contains 1184 pages. Since then, it has been translated into several tongues.
Synopsis: The plot centers on an intelligent and spiritual young man who is at a turning point in his life. The narrative is set in late nineteenth-century India.
Despite being in love with and engaged to Kumud, he breaks off their wedding owing to rising family strife and leaves Bombay in search of knowledge about his homeland and enlightenment.
16. Amirali thag ni pila rumal ni gath
Gujarati literature has always been a source of great pride for the people of Gujarat.
From the ancient works of Pannalal Patel to the modern works of Jhaverchand Meghani, Gujarati literature is full of stories that are both entertaining and inspiring.
Amirali thag ni pila rumal ni gath is one such book that has become immensely popular among Gujarati readers.
This collection of short stories penned by Nalinbhai Bhatt is a delightful read for all ages and provides an insight into the culture and customs of Gujarat.
It is filled with tales that are humorous, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, making it one of the best Gujarati books out there.
17. Kasab
One of the best Gujarati novels, Kasab by Ashwini Bhatt, has all the romance, suspense, humour, and drama you could want.
Gujarat saw significant popularity for this book, which was also translated into numerous other Indian languages.Kasab was first released by Shakti in 1992 and was written in the Gujarati language.
Contains 120 pages and costs between Rs. 118 and 126.The plot of this novel revolves around a scam.
A made-up tale about a con artist who takes advantage of others for their own benefit.The plot features drama, suspense, humour, and a tiny bit of romance. A heartwarming, dramatic work of fiction about a con.
18. The Magic Flute
The Magic Flute is one of the best Gujarati books ever written. Written by noted Gujarati writer, Mahesh Dattani, this book is a must-read for all lovers of literature.
The story revolves around an enchanting flute that has the power to make people do whatever it desires.
It takes us on a journey of love, loss, and redemption as we follow the characters in their struggles with their own inner demons.
The Magic Flute is an engrossing read that will leave you wanting more!
19. Aashka Mandal
Aashka Mandal is an acclaimed Gujarati author, who has written some of the best books in the Gujarati language.
Her works have been widely praised for their poetic beauty and philosophical depth. She is known for her vivid descriptions of life and its struggles, which make her books a must-read for any Gujarati enthusiast.
Her books are also popular among readers who want to explore the culture and values of Gujarat.
With her works, Aashka Mandal has made a mark in the literary world and continues to inspire readers with her thought-provoking stories.
Conclusion
These widely read Gujarati literature is filled with motivational and historical tales. Well-known authors have produced several Gujarati novels on a variety of subjects.
The links above will take you to places where you may get the best Gujarati books must read.
The literature and history in these books are extensive. Also included above are several spiritual novels by K.M. Munshi.
To know more and gain more information about some of the Best Gujarati Books To Read be sure to conduct thorough research online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the best author in Gujarati?
Well known laureates of Gujarati literature are Hemchandracharya, Narsinh Mehta, Mirabai, Akho, Premanand Bhatt, Shamal Bhatt, Dayaram, Dalpatram, Narmad, Govardhanram Tripathi, Mahatma Gandhi, K. M. Munshi, Umashankar Joshi, Suresh Joshi, Pannalal Patel and Rajendra Keshavlal Shah.
Q2. Who is the father of Gujarat?
Ravishankar Maharaj inaugurated Gujarat state when it was created on 1 May 1960.
Q3. Who is the first Hindu king in Gujarat?
It was Aḥmad Shah, the first independent sultan of Gujarat, who founded Ahmadabad (1411). By the end of the 16th century, Gujarat was ruled by the Mughals.
Here are the best gujarati books for reading:-