Planet Gujarat

Kavi Dalpatram Chowk / Dalpatram Memorial

Kavi Dalpatram Chowk / Dalpatram Memorial Ahmedabad

Kavi Dalpatram is one of the renowned poet of Gujarati literature and proud son of Gujarat. He lived in Ahmedabad at Lambeshwar ni pol during his days of literature. Kavi Dalpatram Chowk was made in memories of the great poet who born in the year 1820 and died in the year of 1898. The house of Kavi Dalpatram was restored and converted into Dalpatram Memorial that showcases his thoughts and creativity. The role of Kavi Dalpatram was incredible for the promotion of the Gujarati Language. The first official appeal for the adoption and promotion of Gujarati Language was made by the Dalpatram in the year of 1863 to the court of the Gaekwads of Baroda.

It was the year of 1848 when Dalpatram met British civil officer Alexander Kinloch Forbes who had a great interest in the history and development of the Gujarati Language. They both get associated with the Gujarati Vernacular Society from its founding. Also, they used to read poetry and other Gujarati literature many hours together. In tribute to Kavi Dalpatram’s work for the Gujarati Language and its literature, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation construct a memorial at the site of his house which was destroyed in the year 1985. With very few references available on how the house was, it becomes very difficult to recreate it. The new house was build taking design references of the nearby houses and applying memories of the surrounding residents in the year 2001. Also, the statue of Kavi Dalpatram was restored at the front façade of the house. Since the foundation of the house and the statue, this destination became the essential part of the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk and the house located at Lambeshwar Pol was named Kavi Dalpatram Chowk. The design of the statue is also amazing with Kavi Dalpatram sitting with typical posture having the book in his lap and one leg folded. The statue is made from bronze and weighs 120kg. Another exciting feature of the statue is one empty shoe on the floor. His plays and poems are still recited enthusiastically and performed at this memorial on different occasions including on the day of his birthday. Kavi Dalpatram Chowk is also used for community gathering.

Kavi Dalpatram Memorial Image Gallery

The platform behind the statue depicts the entire plan of the original house. Where the yellow stones on the floor indicate walls, grey stones indicate the rooms and black stones indicate the open area. Also, the staircase is beautifully marked with a yellow stone on the platform.

The restoration of Dalpatram’s house at Dalpatram Chowk was a well-organized task and it was dedicated to his contribution towards Gujarati literature and culture that remains a respected asset for Gujarati culture. The Dalpatram Memorial symbolizes the deepness of his mind and greatness of his heart.

At the age of 24, Dalpatram shifted to Ahmedabad and push himself passionately into a variety of social and literary activities. He worked towards the upliftment of subjugated classes and the empowerment of women. Kavi Dalpatram was also a reformer and strong supporter of enlightened education.

To offer a valuable tribute to his work and forward-thinking towards the social reforms, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and citizens of Ahmedabad constructed a memorial at the location of his house.

Dalpatram Memorial and Kavi Dalpatram Chowk is a warm acknowledgment offered by the city of Ahmedabad to this great poet.