Shrestha

Shrēṣṭha (Newar: श्रेष्ठ) is a Newar surname meaning "most excellent" or "noble" in Sanskrit. Shrestha may also refer to the dominant Newar caste of Shresthas who prior to the unification of modern Nepal formed the ruling and administrative Kshatriya castes in the court of the Malla kings of Nepal. They also counted among them the trading and business Vaishya castes, and were the pre-eminent traders in between Nepal and Tibet. After the unification of Nepal, Shresthas took up business and trading since their former positions as administrators and courtiers of the royal Malla court was supplanted by the invading Gorkha forces mainly of the Khas tribe. Shresthas are now one of the most dynamic communities of Nepal and have excelled in professional careers such as medicine, civil aviation, science and technology, government service as well as finance and banking.

Language, culture and religion

File:Malakha book cover.jpg

'Malakha (Dragon) a collection of poems by RRN 'Syasya' published in 1955.

The word "Shrestha" was derived from Nepal Bhasa word Syasya which itself is believed to be derived from Sanskrit term Sista meaning 'noble'. "Syasya" also means 'warrior' in Nepal Bhasa. Shresthas (or Syasya) served as administrators and courtiers during the rule of the Malla Newar kings that ruled Nepal for six hundred years  – known as the "Golden Era" of Nepal – when much of the cultural and architectural development of Nepal took place. They took a prominent role in the governance and administration of the nation and fought against the Gorkha invasion. They also bravely contributed to protect their country Nepal from external powers like the Mughal and British empire since Licchavi to Shah era.

Notable people

Politics and civil administration

• Ganga Lal Shrestha – Politician, One of the four famous Martyr of Nepal
• Krishna Mohan Shrestha – First Inspector General of Armed Police Force (Nepal)
• Marich Man Singh Shrestha – Prime Minister of Nepal, 1986–90
• Narayan Kaji Shrestha – Politician, Deputy Prime Minister, 2011–12

Arts, literature and culture

• Siddhicharan Shrestha – "Yuga Kavi", one of the most prominent literary figures of Nepal
• Rakesh Shrestha – Celebrity Photographer in India
• Durga Lal Shrestha – Poet, lyricist
• Ganesh Lal Shrestha – Poet, lyricist
• Madan Krishna Shrestha – Comedian, actor, singer
• Shiva Shrestha – Actor
• Shree Krishna Shrestha – Actor
• Namrata Shrestha – Actress, model
• Sushma Shrestha – known by stage name "Poornima", Bollywood singer

Public figures

• Bishnu Shrestha – Nepali soldier in Indian Army
• Ishani Shrestha – Miss Nepal World 2013
• Jagat Lal Shrestha – Educator, author
• Nagma Shrestha – Miss Nepal Earth 2012
• Sadichha Shrestha – Miss Nepal 2010
• Sarita Shrestha – First Ayurvedic physician, OB/GYN of Nepal
• Shristi Shrestha – Miss Nepal World 2012