Shyamaji was borne 30th October 1857 in Mandavi of Kutchh province, according to the official register in Geneva. His Father, Karasan Bhanushali, known by nickname "Bhulo Bhanushali" was economically poor. He worked as a labourer for cotton Press Company exporting cotton abroad. Gomatibai was his mother. She died when Shyamaji was just eleven years old. Shyamaji got married to Bhanumati, a daughter of a wealthy businessman Seth Shri Chahbildas Lallubhai of Bhatia community in 1875.