Kathmandu literature has developed over several years since the 16th century. Both the Sino-Tibetan Nepal Bhasa and the Nepali literature have contributed considerably to the world of literature. Nepali short stories, poems, and songs are found in abundance. The earliest forms of literature were centered around religious topics and matters of mythology. In course of time, more contemporary and realistic topics were dealt with in Nepali literature.
Eras of Nepali Literature
The course of Nepali Literature can be distinguished into five different periods. These periods include, pre-Bhanu Bhakta Period, the Bhanu Bhakta period, the Moti Ram period, pre-revolution period and the post revolution period in chronological order. Bhanu Bhakta had ushered in a new era in the Nepalese literature. From mythological themes, he had consciously shifted to political and other contemporary themes.
Bhanu Bhakta
Before Bhanu Bhakta, writers like Shuwananda Das, Shakti Ballav Arjjyal and Prithvi narayan Shah had made considerable contribution to Kathmandu literature. Shuwananda Das will always be remembered for his unique lyrical folk songs.
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Nepal Bhasa
It was in the 16th century, that the first song and storybook were written in Nepal Bhasa. The Tantrakhyan is the first storybook and the Walangata Simule Swambaraya was the first Nepal Bhasa song to be penned down. Later on, in the 17th century drama developed. The Moodev Shashidev and Ekadashi Brata deserve special mention, as they were the first drama and one act play to be written, respectively.
Other Nepal Bhasa Works
- Haramekhala (1374 A.D): A book on medicine
- Dashapala (1399 AD) Astrological Book
- Nyayashastra (1380 A.D.)
- Bhasajyotis (1422 AD) Astrological Book
- Putrapautradibodhini (1381 A.D.)
- Bhagwat Puran (1505 AD): Creative Literature
- Amarkosh (1386 A.D.)
- Gopalraj Banshawali: Cronicle
- Tathagat Guhyak (1104 A.D.): Manuscript
- Sumatikarana (1512 AD) Astrological Book
The Literature of Kathmandu is indeed rich and with each new work by Nepalese authors it gets better. The Nepal Bhasa literature is indeed the four best among other Sino Tibetan language literary works.
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