Author Description

'Girnar’, a tribute to the Great Girnar mountain worshiped by the people of Gujarat (a travelogue in Gujarati language) published in year 2009, authored by Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary. Book 'Girnar' (language: Gujarati), authored by Sanjay Chaudhary, is a unique travelogue narrating experiences of author during 'Girnar Parikrama' (circular walk around) of spiritual and religious hill of 'Girnar', near Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The book contains articles encompassing historical, religious and spiritual perspectives on 'Girnar'. Author has recorded his interesting observations with extensive information about various places explored en route whilst climbing the peak of 'Girnar'. Cultural diversity and heritage of Great Mountain of 'Girnar' are depicted with minute details about numerous religious places. An entire chapter is dedicated to discussion of biological diversity of 'Girnar' mountain and 'Gir' forest. Another chapter on wildlife of 'Gir' provides historical facts and ongoing efforts for wildlife conservation, which have successfully raised the population of lions, leopards and other wild animals and intensified the flora and fauna. Ample references are cited from historical literature, along with summary of prominent Gujarati prose, poetry and folklores developed around the core theme or backdrop of 'Girnar'. Book also introduces the reader to some celebrated destinations of Junagadh. Ancient history of 'Girnar' and Junagadh region since year 200 B.C. is presented in an attention-grabbing manner, starting with the foundation of 'Girinagar' (ancient Junagadh), mentioning facts and legends about the rulers of Junagadh as well as all major incidents till the merger of Junagadh into independent India. The last chapter contains a critique of the acclaimed Gujarati novel 'Hoo Hoo', a story of communal harmony and disorder amongst the community of Junagadh during the period of 1925-1948.