Harilal Upadhyay was born on 22 January 1916 in Mota Khijadiya village near Rajkot in a family of Jadavji and Gangaben. His father was a priest in a temple at Makaji Meghpar. He completed his primary education from Paddhari while living with his father's elder brother Bhavanishankar and sister Dayakunwarben. He moved to Jamnagar and studied in Sanskrit Pathshala where he mastered in traditional rituals and texts under Trambakram Shastri.[citation needed]
He started writing poetry during his stay in Jamnagar. At the age of 13, he recited a poem in public. His first short story, "Hridaypalto", was published in Modhbandhu magazine at the age of 15, and another story was published in Beghadi Moj. He was connected with traditional bards and folk stories during this period. He was influenced by the bard Krishnada. He returned to Makaji Meghpar but he was not interested in priesthood. His uncle Bhavanishankar was also a traditional story teller and musician who used to go to different princely states for performance in royal courts. He went with him to different places and started taking notes on folk stories, incidents and folk songs. He also learned poetry presentation from him. He met Vajubhai Shulka, an Indian independence activist from Rajkot. He studied politics there and also wrote a 500 stanza long poem, "Tanya". Vajubhai brought "Tanya" to Bombay. After reading it, Harilal was invited to Bombay by Amritlal Sheth, journalist and the founder of Janmabhoomi newspaper.
He moved to Bombay and published his first short story collection, Jeevanchhaya, on the insistence of K. M. Munshi. He later moved to Paddhari and continued to write from there.
He died on 15 January 1994 in Paddhari, Gujarat, India.
He wrote a large number of historical novels. His MewadorSuryavansh/Rajasthan historical novel series include Mevad Ni Tejchhaya, Mevad Na Maharathi : NariRatna PannaDai, Chittod Ni Rangarjana : RoopRani Padmini, Mevad No Kesri, ShauryaPratapi Maharana Pratap. Deshgaurav Bhamashah, and Jay Chittod. His Chandravansh/Gujarat historical novel series include ShauryaPratapi Chandravansh, Rudhir Nu Rajtilak, Lakho Fulani, Ranmedan, Ek Bhalo Saput, Tati Talvar, Navanagar Na Narbanka, Managal Fera, Rajsatta Na Rang,[1]Nayan Ughadyu Ne Phool Kharyu, KachchhBhoomi Na Kesri, and Padata Gadh Na Padchhaya (Part 1 and 2). His books on Modh Brahmins are Otrada Vayara Utho Utho[2] and Sonavarani (the history of Modh Brahmins). His social novels set in historical background are Kalank Ane Kirtirekha, Vijay Vardaan, Bhagya devata, Roshani, and Aparajita.
He wrote seven book series on Indian epic Mahabharata which include Bhishma Pratigna, Dharma Pratigna, Kurukshetra, Bhishma No Shantibodh, Dharma Vijay, Mahaprasthaan and Yog Viyog.
Social novels
Ramkali (RoopMangala)
Rahi Gai Man Ni Man Ma
Gauri
Tan Bhukhya Koi Dhan Bhukhya
Preete Parovaya
Dharati Lal Gulal
Nathi Sukaya Neer
Sukh Savaya Thay
Kundan Chadyu Kante
Savazada Senjal Pie
Man Dubya Mrugjal Ma
KesarBhino Kanth
Varso Re Ur na Amee
AmrutBhini Ankhaladi
Tej Chhavai Raat
Haiye Madhaya Het
Nisha Sunave Naad
Alka
ManPankhi Na Mala
Kanchan Lage Na Kaat
Antar Khole Ankh
Nari Hati Ek Namani
Paras Sparshe Ek J War
Ugyo Chandra Amase
Dhabakatu Dhan
Rajpur Ni Lachhu
Van Man Khili Vasant
Gori To Gunial Bhali
Dharm Ane Rajkaran
Andhkaar Chhaya
Saheli
Sukhlalsa
Man Ne Lagi Maya
Pagla Padya Kankuvarna
Chhanydee
Roshnee
Short story collections
Saurashtra No Vartaras
Saurashtra Ni Rasgatha (2 parts)
Saurashtra Ni Veergathao (5 parts)
Sorthi Lokvato
Jeevanchhaya
PushpMangal (BaalVartao – kids' literature)
Biographies
Harsiddhi Ane Hinglaj
Sant Dada Mekan
Sant Dharamshi Bhagat
Mast Avdhoot Moondiya Swami
Naag Mahima
Chhelnami Saurashtra
Karma Prabhaav
ShaktiParichay (about Mahadevi Hinglajmata, Mahadevi Harsiddhi and Mahadevi Khodiyar)
Children's literature
Pushpamangal
Play
Najar Samena Shamana (Dreams in Front of the Eyes)
India
Literature
Poetry
