(Presented on the occasion of the 299th Birth Anniversary of Hilihang during the Hilihang Poetry Festival, 2082 B.S.)
Abstract
This research paper presents a concise outline of the development of literary historiography in Hilihang Rural Municipality. It also discusses various attempts at periodization within Hilihang literature, tracing the evolution of literary creation, movements, and critical traditions in the region. The paper highlights how Hilihang’s literary trajectory contributes to the broader context of Nepali literary history.
Keywords: Hilihang Literature, Literary History, Nepali Literature, Poetry, Criticism, Mundhum, Cultural Identity
1. Introduction
The present paper centers on the concise historical overview of the development of literary historiography in Hilihang Rural Municipality, alongside an analytical sketch of different efforts to periodize Hilihang’s literature. This study aims to provide an academic understanding of the region’s literary evolution, its creative currents, and critical achievements that have shaped its unique identity within Nepali literature.
2. Objectives
After studying this paper, readers will be able to:
- Understand the brief historical outline of Hilihang’s literary historiography.
- Gain insight into the various attempts to periodize Hilihang’s literature and trace its developmental stages.
3. Conceptual Background
The term “literary history” is derived from the fusion of two words — literature and history. “Literature” refers to the artistic expression of human emotions and consciousness through language, whereas “history” denotes the systematic study of human civilization, its events, causes, and interrelationships from the past to the present.
Therefore, literary history represents a discipline or methodology that studies the historical evolution of literature. It relies on literary creations as its foundation and examines the writers, representative works, movements, and trends within specific socio-historical contexts.
Hilihang’s literary historiography encompasses its literary beginnings, major creators, representative genres, thematic developments, and stylistic shifts. As an organized study of literary progress, it holds high academic significance, offering both qualitative and quantitative understanding of literary movements within Hilihang and Nepal as a whole.
4. The Development of Hilihang’s Literary Historiography
Nepali literary writing is believed to have begun around 1800 A.D., with Motiram Bhatta’s Life of Poet Bhanubhakta Acharya (1948 B.S.) regarded as the first biographical and historiographical attempt. Yagyraj Satyal’s Introduction to Nepali Literature (2017 B.S.) later introduced historical methodology to Nepali literary studies.
Taranath Sharma’s History of Nepali Literature (2027 B.S.) marked the beginning of the critical phase in Nepali literary historiography.
In the context of Hilihang, the milestone work is Professor Dr. Khagendra Prasad Luitel’s History of Nepali Poetry and Poetics (2060 B.S.), published by the Nepal Academy. This work features writers such as Khagendra Sangroula of Subhang, Manu Yonghang, and Dr. Ramesh Shubhechchhu, reflecting Hilihang’s growing literary presence in national discourse.
Significant contributions to literary historiography across genres include Luitel’s Poetic Theory and History of Nepali Poetry (2060), Avinash Shrestha’s Modern Nepali Story (2064), Laxman Prasad Gautam and Gyanu Adhikari’s History of Nepali Stories (2069), and Rajendra Subedi’s Tradition and Theory of Nepali Literary Criticism (2061).
5. Hilihang Literature: Verse Traditions
5.1 Poetry
The poetic tradition in Hilihang began in 2024 B.S. when the Padma Shri laureate Khagendra Sangroula from Subhang wrote Adhuro Prem (Incomplete Love) and Bhijeko Rumaal (Wet Handkerchief). His works such as Aphnai Aankhama (In My Own Eyes), Aparajita Parijat, and Kasari Bachne (How to Survive) remain highly influential.
Dr. Ramesh Shubhechchhu, also from Subhang, enriched the poetic landscape through collections like Agni Dekhi Parkha (Wait from the Fire) (2063), Kathmandu ko Moksha (The Salvation of Kathmandu) (2075), and Shabdako Gandha (The Fragrance of Words) (2079).
From Amarpur, Krishna Dharabasi, one of the pillars of modern “Lila Writing,” began his poetic career in 2033 B.S. and has published over 33 works including Junikiriko Raag, Gaunko Katha Kabitama, and Paanima Aago.
From Panchami, Manu Yonghang started his poetic journey in 2047 B.S. with U Jandai Chha (She Is Rising), published in Aarti Weekly. He later became known for his ghazals, songs, and literary criticism.
Sangam Suhang’s poem Kukur Kavita (Dog Poem) introduced a new poetic movement in Hilihang, while Vidya Niradoshi Ojha, Tulsi Kshitij, and Rabin Korkali have also made noteworthy contributions.
5.2 Ghazal, Song, and Modern Forms
The ghazal tradition began around 2048 B.S. with Manu Yonghang’s collection Saptakoshi ko Kinarabata (2054). Later, Ramesh Shubhechchhu’s Ashu Nadeu Malai (Don’t Give Me Tears) and Sangam Suhang’s Sawal Jawaf strengthened the form.
The lyrical tradition includes composers like Laya Bhandari, Bhagishwar Yonghang, Lakshmi Yonghang, and Dhana Yonghang, whose songs were broadcast by Radio Nepal as early as 2046 B.S. Manu Yonghang’s songs such as Ticket Chitthi and Moolbato also gained national attention.
Contemporary poets are experimenting with haiku, tanka, and free verse, adding fresh voices and forms to Hilihang’s poetic landscape.
6. Hilihang Literature: Prose Traditions
6.1 Short Stories
The short story tradition began with Krishna Dharabasi’s Gunaso (Complaint), published in Usha magazine in 2034 B.S. His story collections such as Saatkothe Ghar, Phoolharu Marn Aaudainan, and Andhovastu are widely acclaimed.
Khagendra Sangroula’s Ghaamka Pwalharu (Holes of the Sun) and Gaunle Manchhe (The Villager) depict social realism vividly.
Manu Yonghang’s forthcoming collection Hilihan ko Serophero (Around Hilihang) compiles 19 stories exploring local life and consciousness.
6.2 Novels
Hilihan’s novel tradition is marked by Khagendra Sangroula’s Nalekhiyeko Itihas (Unwritten History) (2034), Aama ko Chhatpati (Mother’s Restlessness) (2034), Seteko Sansar (The White World) (2040), and Junikiriko Sangeet (Music of the Firefly) (2056).
Krishna Dharabasi’s novels Sharanarthi (Refugee) (2056), Aadhabatto (Halfway) (2059), Radha (2062), Tundal (2065), and Gestapo (2069) established the philosophical mode of Lila Writing in Nepali fiction.
Manu Yonghang’s novels Phool (The Flower) (2057), Thokfela (2081), and Sekmuri Phool (Sekmuri Flower) (2082) blend historical and Mundhumic (Kirati oral scriptural) perspectives, establishing a new dimension in Nepali narrative art.
6.3 Essays and Criticism
Essay writing in Hilihang was shaped by Khagendra Sangroula’s collections such as Aphnai Aankha ko Layama (2068) and Balya Kalka Padachap (2077).
Krishna Dharabasi contributed through Balak Harayeko Suchana (2048) and Nari Bhitra Tyasto Ke Chha Hajur (2053).
Yubaraj Sangroula extended Hilihang’s intellectual boundary with Uninhibited Expressions and South Asia–China Geo-economics (2071).
Dr. Ramesh Shubhechchhu’s essays like Sapana ra Satya (Dream and Truth) and Jeevanka Rangharu (Colors of Life) also hold literary merit.
Manu Yonghang’s essay collection Shabda ra Anubhuti (Words and Feelings) is forthcoming.
In literary criticism, Rajendra Subedi’s National Comprehensive Nepali Criticism and Krishna Dharabasi’s Patakko Adalatma Mudda Missil No.1 (In the Reader’s Court) are foundational. Manu Yonghang’s forthcoming critical work Postcritical Thought and Colorism in Criticism (from Hilihang.com) expands the modern critical horizon.
7. Conclusion
The literary development of Hilihang Rural Municipality reveals a rich and diverse creative tradition. From poetry and fiction to essays and criticism, Hilihang’s writers have made exceptional contributions to both local and national literature.
Their works embody philosophical depth, historical consciousness, and cultural identity rooted in the Kirati Mundhum tradition.
In poetry, Kukur Kavita ignited new movements; in prose, the blending of history and spirituality redefined narrative art; and in criticism, Hilihang thinkers have established Nepal’s intellectual backbone.
Thus, Hilihang literature stands as a proud pillar of the Panchthar district and of Nepali literary culture at large, inspiring confidence that future generations of Hilihang writers will continue to enrich Nepali literature with innovation and depth.
References
- Ojha, Prem. Writers of Panchthar. Naulo Sahitya Bihan.
- Ojha, Vidya. Women Writers of Panchthar.
- Kerung, Madhu. Creators of Panchthar, Fidim.
- Nembang, Dharmendra. Green Socialism.
- Luitel, Khagendra Prasad. History of Nepali Poetry and Poetics. Nepal Academy, 2060 B.S.
- Subedi, Rajendra. Comprehensive Collection of Nepali Literary Criticism.
- Samthing, Ram Prasad. Panchthar Darpan.
- Hilihang.com and other online publications.
- Ascent and Descent in Hilihang Creation.
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