Classical Period
This was a golden age of cultural development and art and architecture in Nepal Mandala besides being a prolific period for Nepal Bhasa literature. The literary genres prevalent during this era consist of chronicles, epics, stories, scientific manuals mainly dealing with astrology and medicine, didactic poems and drama.
The kings and queens of the Malla dynasty were keen lyricists and playwrights. Dance dramas written at the time continue to be performed during annual festivals. King Mahindra Malla (reigned 1560-1574 AD) is regarded as the first Nepal Bhasa poet. Other notable poets among the Malla kings include Siddhi Narsingh Malla (1619-1669 AD), Pratap Malla, Ranjit Malla and Jaya Prakash Malla. Siddhi Narsingh Malla was the first Nepal Bhasa playwright. He wrote a one-act play entitled Ekadashibrata in 1633 based on a Hindu story. His most famous work is Katti Pyakhan (1641 AD) which is shown annually at Patan Durbar Square.
The queens Riddhi Laxmi (1680-1687 AD), considered to be Nepal's first poetess, Jaya Laxmi and Bhuvan Laxmi were also prominent songwriters. Among the public, Jagat Keshari (1678 AD) of Banepa in the east of the Kathmandu Valley is celebrated for a hymn dedicated to Goddess Chandeswari.
In the later part of the Classical Period, Rajendra Bikram among the Shah kings is famed for writing Mahasatwa Pakhyan (1831), a play based on a Buddhist story. Pundit Sundarananda (circa 1793-1833) is known for his epics while Amritananda, besides composing poetry, wrote a grammar of Nepal Bhasa (1831).
Read more about this topic: Nepal Bhasa Literature
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