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Motiram Bhatta

Deceased

मोतीराम भट्ट

Also known as Yuba Kabi

Considered the first biographer and literary critic of Nepali literature; established Bhanubhakta Acharya as the language's first poet

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About

Motiram Bhatta was a polyglot, someone who speaks many languages. He was fluent in Nepali, Sanskrit, Persian, English, Bengali, Urdu, and Nepal Bhasa. Many people see him as the first biographer and literary critic in Nepali literary history.

He founded Nepal’s first private printing press. He also founded its first monthly publication, Gorkha Bharat Jeevan. He introduced the Persian-Arabic ghazal tradition of poetry and singing to Nepal.

His most important work was Kabi Bhanubhakta ko Jivan Charitra, a biography of the poet Bhanubhakta Acharya. This book played a central role in establishing Acharya as the Aadikabi, the first poet, of the Nepali language. This legacy helped earn Bhatta his own place among Nepal’s seventeen honoured national heroes.

Quick facts

Born
1866-09-08
Birthplace
Kathmandu, Nepal
Profession
Poet, Singer, Essayist, Publisher, Literary critic, Biographer
Nationality
Nepal
Status
Deceased
Died
1896

Career & life timeline

  1. 1866-09-08

    Born in Kathmandu, Nepal

  2. 1886

    Founded Gorkha Bharat Jeevan, considered the first Nepali monthly publication, printed in Banaras

  3. 1888

    Started the first private printing press in Nepal

  4. 19th century

    Wrote Kabi Bhanubhakta ko Jivan Charitra, the biography that established Bhanubhakta Acharya as Nepali literature's first poet

  5. 1896

    Died in Kathmandu at age 29–30

Achievements

  • Considered the first biographer and literary critic of Nepali literature

  • Started the first private printing press in Nepal

    1888

  • Introduced the ghazal style of poetry and singing to Nepal

  • Established Bhanubhakta Acharya as the Aadikabi through his biography Kabi Bhanubhakta ko Jivan Charitra

  • Founded Gorkha Bharat Jeevan, considered the first Nepali monthly publication

    1886

Awards & honours

  • Rastriya Bibhuti (national hero)

  • Yuba Kabi (Young Poet)

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Last updated: 2026-09-06