Pannalal Nanalal Patel was a Gujarati author. He was the recipient of the Jnanpith Award in 1985. He was the second writer from Gujarati language after Umashankar Joshi in 1967, to receive this honour. This work is rated as the most powerful portrayal of Gujarat’s rural life and the exploration of rural life during early 1900’s. More than 70 books have been penned by this author. But his most widely novels are Manvini Bhavai (Endurance: A Droll Saga) and Malela Jiv (Kanji and Jivi: A Tragic Love Story), both published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. Patel is the only Jnanpith Award winner in Gujarati prose literature. His wonderful creations are often regarded as the best exposure to present generation about the rural life of Gujarat. He received Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in the year 1950.

A few of his works include - Malela Jiv, Manvini Bhavai, Vrundathi Rakshayelo Jalandhar, Sarjanni Suvarna Smaranika, Fakiro, Bhaangyaa Na Bheru, Navun Lohi, Padgha Ane Padchhaya, Ghammar Valonu, Pranaynan Jujvan Pot, Ajwali Raat Amaasni, Nathi Parnyan Nathi Kunwaran, Mankhavtar, Ame Be Baheno, Karoliyanun Jalu, Purankathit Ma Durga, Aandhi Ashaddhani, Vali Vatanman, Jene Jivi Janyun, Mahabharatno Pratham Pranay : Bhim-Hidimba, Manavdehe Kamdev-Rati, Min Matinan Maanvi, Nagad Narayan, Paarth Ne Kaho Chadave Baan, Rame Sitane Maryan Jo!, Krishna Jivanlila, Bhishmani Baanshayya, Kach-Devayani, Shree Krushnani Atth Patranio, Shikhandi : Stree Ke Purush, Jindagi Sanjeevani and many more.