In Samten G. Karmay's introduction to his translation of the Fifth Dalai Lama's political autobiography, Depa Norbu is described as follows: "..he was the bête-noire of Lobzang Gyatsho [Fifth Dalai Lama], an intriguer among the Gaden Photrang government officials and a character with a strong personality.
In Khrinley Losang Dungkar's 'Tibetological Great Dictionary' which serves as an encyclopedia about Tibet, his entry is as follows: "Nangso Norbu, brother of Desi Sönam Chöphel, was born in Tölung Gyalé.