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Laxmi Prasad Devkota is one of the greatest writers of Nepali literature. Though he wrote in all genres, he earned more fame in poetry. Laxmi Prasad Devkota has made an incomparable contribution to enriching the sphere of Nepali literature. It's indeed difficult to imagine the state of Nepali literature without this versatile writer. Laxmi Prasad Devkota is recognized as the Mahakavi (Poet the Great) of Nepali literature.
Laxmi Prasad Devkota was born on the night of Laxmi puja (Deepawali) of 1966 BS. Tilmadhav Devkota and Amar Rajya Laxmi were his parents. Taking him a gift of Goddess Laxmi, they named him Laxmi Prasad, however, as he grew he turned out to be a gift of Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.
Laxmi Prasad Devkota got his basic education from the Durbar High School in Kathmandu. Later he studied science at Tri-Chandra College. Finally, he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Law from Patna University, India. He was always a brilliant student. But as a student, he suffered a lot due to financial causes.
Devkota started writing in his young age. He was one of the scholars to establish a library in Kathmandu for the real purpose of raising public awareness against the autocratic Rana regime. After he was released, he went into a self-imposed exile in Banaras. India where he edited a magazine called Yugbani.
Devkota has written many epics including his most favorite Muna Madan. This particular folk-based poetry has been one of the best sellers of Nepali literature. Shakuntala, Sulochna, Kunjini, and Bhikhari are some other popular poetic works by him. Devkota is considered the first modern essayist of Nepal. His Laxmi Nibandha Sangraha is one of the most acclaimed essay books of Nepali literature. Sabitri Satyavan, Basanti, and Maina are among his famous plays. Laxmi Katha Sangraha is his equally popular anthology of short stories. Champa is the only novel by Devkota who has also written some rich poetry in English. Well-versed in this western language, he translated Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, into Nepali.
Laxmi Prasad Devkota was a humanist. He made spontaneous and eloquent expressions of feelings. He could write unbelievably fast. His characters are often ordinary people. Impressed by English poet William Wordsworth, Devkota introduced romanticism in Nepali. He had a deep passion for nature. Experts say he could have got a much wider exposure and acclamation if he was born in a more popular country like India. Laxmi Prasad Devkota also contributed to the anti-Rana movement. He also taught at Tribhuwan University. He served as the Education Minister of Nepal in 2014 BS. Laxmi Prasad Devkota died of cancer in 2016 BS at the age of just 50 after a prolonged acute illness.
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