Pyauli (Nepali: प्याउली) is a term with multiple meanings in the context of Nepal, referring to a plant species, a place name, and a descriptive folk term.
1. As a Plant (Reinwardtia indica)
In the Nepali language, pyauli is the common name for the flowering plant Reinwardtia indica Dumort., a member of the Linaceae (linseed or flax) family. The plant is also known by several synonyms, including Reinwardtia trigyna, Linum trigynum, and Linum repens. It is commonly called "winter flax," "yellow flax," or "golden girl" in English, and in Hindi it is known as basanti (बसंती). In Marathi it is called piwli abai (पिवळी अबई).
Reinwardtia indica is a bright yellow-flowered shrub that blooms in the late winter to early spring months (February–March). It is commonly found in hedges and gardens in the Kathmandu Valley at altitudes of 1,300–1,500 meters. The flowers are typically double, narrowly funnel-shaped, with a bright yellow color and a deeper golden eye. The plant is native to South Asia.
2. As a Place Name
Pyauli is the name of several locations in Nepal:
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Pyauli, Bhojpur District – A village development committee (VDC) in Bhojpur District, in the Kosi Zone of eastern Nepal. According to the 1991 Nepal census, it had a population of 2,637 persons living in 469 individual households. It is also the site of Arun Multiple Campus, a community campus affiliated with Purbanchal University offering BBS and B.Ed. programs. The market center in this area is known as Pyauli Bajar, located within the Arun Rural Municipality.
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Pyauli, Madi, Chitwan – A locality in Madi, Chitwan District, in Bagmati Province of Nepal, situated near Kanchhi Baghai and Govindabasti.
3. As a Folk Term
In some contexts, pyauli is also used descriptively to refer to the "wild rose of the hills," a flower that blooms quietly along forest paths and village edges, noted for its soft flowers and subtle fragrance.
Etymology and Linguistic Notes
In the Nepali dictionary, Pyāulī (प्याउली) is recorded as both:
- A feminine adjective (feminine form of pyāulo).
- A noun meaning "winter flax" (i.e., Reinwardtia indica).
