Who was the first Gujarati laureates to win the Jnanpith Award?

Rajendra Shah
Umashankar Joshi
K. M. Munshi
Raghuveer Chaudhari

The correct answer is: C. K. M. Munshi

Krishnalal Shridhara Munshi (1887–1971) was an Indian writer, politician, and freedom fighter. He was the first Gujarati laureate to win the Jnanpith Award in 1965.

Munshi was born in Junagadh, Gujarat, British India. He was educated at the Elphinstone College in Mumbai and the University of Bombay. He started his career as a lawyer, but soon turned to writing. He wrote novels, short stories, essays, plays, and biographies. He also wrote extensively on history, culture, and politics.

Munshi was a member of the Indian National Congress and participated in the Indian independence movement. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He served as a minister in the government of India and the government of Gujarat.

Munshi was a prolific writer and a versatile genius. He was a pioneer of Gujarati literature and made a significant contribution to the development of Gujarati language and culture. He was a towering figure in the history of Gujarat and India.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • Rajendra Shah (1908–1982) was a Gujarati writer and poet. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971.
  • Umashankar Joshi (1911–1980) was a Gujarati writer, poet, and critic. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 1962.
  • Raghuveer Chaudhari (1928–2007) was a Gujarati writer, poet, and critic. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1982.