Satya Mohan Joshi, 103-Year Old Historian and Cultural Scholar Passes Away

Satya Mohan Joshi, the famous cultural historian, has passed away. He died on October 16, 2022, at the age of 103.

Since September 23, the centenarian has been receiving treatment for prostate and heart-related conditions. On October 10, after his condition did not improve, he was moved to the critical care unit.

Heart and prostate problems have plagued Joshi for a very long period. He had already undergone numerous hospital stays for medical care. He reportedly has pneumonia and a urinary infection, and a recent blood test revealed that he also had dengue.

A short Biography:

Satya Mohan Joshi was born on May 12, 1920 in Nepal's Lalitpur district to Shankar Raj and Raj Kumari Joshi. He first learned the letters at home before enrolling at Kathmandu's Durbar High School. In 1959, he was appointed the first director of the Archaeological and Cultural Department and founded the Rastriya Naachghar - National Theatre in Kathmandu, the Archeological Garden in Patan, the Archeological Museum in Taulihawa, and the National Painting Museum in Bhaktapur. He received his bachelor's degree from Tri Chandra College.

In 1960, Joshi took a flight to China and started instructing Nepali at the Peking Broadcasting Institute. He conducted research on Arniko, a Malla dynasty sculptor who emigrated to China in early 1260 AD, while he was there. The Araniko White Dagoba Gallery was established by him using historical relics associated with Arniko in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

He has published more than 60 works in a variety of subjects, including Hamro Lok Sanskriti (Madan Puraskar in 1956), Nepali Rastriya Mudra (Madan Puraskar in 1960), a study collection, Charumati, Sunkeshari, Majipha Lakhe, and Bagh Bhairab (dramas).

To honor Joshi's 100th birthday, the Nepal Rastra Bank released three new coins in September 2019 with the values of Rs. 100, Rs. 1,000, and Rs. 2,500.