Top Five Writers in Nepali Literature

Vacation to Nepal
7 min readFeb 26, 2023

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Laxmi Prasad Devkota

Nepali literature has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The earliest form of Nepali literature was in the form of religious texts such as the Vedas and the Puranas, which were written in Sanskrit. However, the first known literary work in the Nepali language was the Adhyatma Ramayana, which was written in the 14th century.

During the Malla era (13th to 18th century), Nepali literature flourished with the rise of the Kathmandu Valley as the cultural and intellectual center of Nepal. It was during this period that many classic works such as the Laxmi Nibandha, Kavya Prakash, and the Bhanubhakta Ramayana were written.

In the 19th century, Nepali literature saw a revival with the advent of the Rana dynasty, which promoted the Nepali language and culture. This period saw the emergence of writers such as Lekhnath Poudyal, Bhanubhakta Acharya, and Motiram Bhatta, who wrote some of the most popular works of Nepali literature.

In the 20th century, Nepali literature saw a modernist movement with the rise of writers such as Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Bhupi Sherchan, and Parijat. These writers brought a new style and form of writing to Nepali literature and tackled social and political issues in their works.

Here are the top 5 writers in Nepali Literature

Laxmi Prasad Devkota

Considered as the father of modern Nepali poetry, Laxmi Prasad Devkota is one of the most influential writers in Nepali literature. He is known for his contributions to Nepali poetry, drama, and essays. He was a prolific writer, poet, and essayist, and his works have had a profound impact on Nepali culture and society. Some of his famous works include Muna Madan, Sulochana, and Shakuntala.

Devkota’s literary career began in the 1920s, and he quickly established himself as a leading voice in Nepali literature. His writing was characterized by its lyrical language, its use of traditional Nepali themes and motifs, and its exploration of complex social and political issues.

One of Devkota’s most famous works is his epic poem “Muna Madan”, which tells the story of a young man’s journey from Nepal to India in search of work and wealth. The poem is known for its vivid imagery, its use of traditional Nepali folklore and mythology, and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the search for identity.

In addition to “Muna Madan,” Devkota wrote numerous other works, including poems, essays, and political treatises. His poem “Pagal” is considered one of the most important works in modern Nepali poetry, and his essay “Bhakti Shastrako Darshan” is still widely read and discussed today.

Throughout his career, Devkota was a strong advocate for the development and preservation of Nepali language and culture. He played an important role in the establishment of Nepali language schools and worked to promote Nepali literature both within Nepal and internationally.

Bhupi Sherchan

Bhupi Sherchan

Bhupi Sherchan was a prominent Nepali poet and writer who wrote on social issues, human rights, and politics. He was known for his powerful and evocative poetry, which tackled a wide range of social and political issues. His work reflects his concern for society and his love for humanity. Some of his famous works include Ghumne Mechmathi Andho Manche and Jaya Bhudi.

Sherchan’s literary career began in the 1950s, and he quickly established himself as one of the leading voices in Nepali poetry. His writing was characterized by its use of simple and direct language, its focus on social and political issues, and its exploration of the human condition.

One of Sherchan’s most famous works is his poem “Mero Pyaro Okhaldhunga”, which pays tribute to the beauty and culture of his hometown in rural Nepal. The poem is known for its vivid imagery and its celebration of the beauty and simplicity of rural life.

In addition to his poetry, Sherchan also wrote numerous essays and articles on social and political issues. He was a strong advocate for democracy and human rights, and his writing often reflected his commitment to these values.

Sherchan’s contributions to Nepali literature and culture were widely recognized during his lifetime. He received numerous awards and honors for his writing, and his work continues to be widely read and studied today.

Parijat

Parijat

Parijat, whose real name was Bishnu Kumari Waiba, was a prominent Nepali writer and poet. She is considered one of the most important figures in modern Nepali literature, and her works have had a profound impact on Nepali culture and society. She wrote about the struggles of women and marginalized communities in Nepal. Her works are known for their emotional depth and poetic language. Some of her famous works include Shirishko Phool, Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala, and Jivan Kada Ki Phul.

Parijat’s literary career began in the 1950s, and she quickly established herself as a leading voice in Nepali literature. Her writing was characterized by its poetic language, its exploration of the human condition, and its focus on social and political issues.

One of Parijat’s most famous works is her novel “Shirish Ko Phool” (The Blue Mimosa), which tells the story of a young girl’s struggle to find her place in a male-dominated society. The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Nepali society, its exploration of issues such as gender inequality and social injustice, and its use of poetic language.

In addition to her novels, Parijat also wrote numerous poems and essays. Her poetry was characterized by its emotional intensity, its focus on love and loss, and its exploration of the human experience.

Throughout her career, Parijat was a strong advocate for the development and preservation of Nepali language and culture. She played an important role in the establishment of Nepali language schools and worked to promote Nepali literature both within Nepal and internationally.

MAdhav Prasad Ghimire

Madhav Prasad Ghimire

Madhav Prasad Ghimire is a Nepali poet, writer, and scholar. He is known for his contributions to Nepali literature and language. Some of his famous works include Malati Mangale, Gauri, and Bhanubhakta. He is considered one of the most influential writers in modern Nepali literature and has played a significant role in the development of Nepali language and culture.

Ghimire’s literary career began in the 1950s, and he quickly established himself as a prominent voice in Nepali literature. His writing is characterized by its lyrical language, its use of traditional Nepali themes and motifs, and its exploration of social and political issues.

One of Ghimire’s most famous works is his epic poem “Himal Pari Himal Wari”, which tells the story of a young man’s journey through the Himalayas in search of knowledge and wisdom. The poem is known for its vivid imagery, its use of traditional Nepali folklore and mythology, and its exploration of themes such as love, death, and the search for meaning.

Ghimire has also written numerous other works, including short stories, essays, and plays. His play “Agni Ko Katha” is considered a landmark in the history of Nepali theater and is still widely performed today.

Throughout his career, Ghimire has been a strong advocate for the development and preservation of Nepali language and culture. He has played an important role in the establishment of Nepali language schools and has worked to promote Nepali literature both within Nepal and internationally.

BP Koirala

BP Koirala

BP Koirala is considered one of the most important figures in modern Nepali literature. He was a prolific writer, playwright, and essayist, and his works continue to be widely read and studied today.

Koirala’s writing career began in the 1940s, and he quickly established himself as a leading voice in Nepali literature. He was heavily influenced by the social and political changes of his time, and his writing often reflected his commitment to democracy, human rights, and social justice.

Koirala’s most famous work is his novel “Sumnima”, which is considered a classic of Nepali literature. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Sumnima and her struggle to find love and meaning in a society that is dominated by tradition and patriarchy. The novel is known for its lyrical language, vivid imagery, and its exploration of complex social and political issues.

In addition to “Sumnima,” Koirala wrote numerous other works, including plays, essays, and political treatises. His play “Pahuna” is considered one of the most important plays in the history of Nepali theater, and his political treatise “Rastra Ko Awaz” is still widely read and discussed today.

Koirala’s writing was characterized by its realism, its social and political engagement, and its commitment to the idea of individual freedom and dignity. His works continue to be relevant and meaningful today, and he remains an important figure in the history of Nepali literature.

Today, Nepali literature continues to thrive with the emergence of new writers and the popularity of modern Nepali literature. Some of the popular contemporary Nepali writers include Narayan Wagle, Buddhisagar, and Sanjeev Upreti.

In conclusion, Nepali literature has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. It has evolved over time and has produced many classic works that continue to be studied and enjoyed today. Nepali literature is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and its people.

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BP Koirala

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