What is Devanagari script?
Devanagari script is a writing system used to write several Indian languages including Hindi, Marathi, Nepali, Sanskrit, and others. It is an abugida, which means that each consonant letter represents a syllable that includes a vowel sound, and additional vowel signs are added to modify the basic syllable.
The Devanagari script consists of 47 primary characters, including 14 vowels and 33 consonants. Each character is made up of a series of strokes that are arranged in a specific order. The script is written from left to right and has a distinctive horizontal line running along the top of the letters.
Devanagari script is one of the most widely used writing systems in India and is an official script for several Indian languages. It is also used in the transcription of Sanskrit and other ancient Indian languages. The script has a rich cultural and historical significance and is an important part of India’s cultural heritage.
Devanagari history
The history of the Devanagari script can be traced back to the 7th century AD, when it was developed from the Brahmi script. The Brahmi script was used to write various languages in ancient India, including Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Pali. Over time, different regional variations of the Brahmi script emerged, and the Devanagari script developed from the northern variety.
The earliest known use of the Devanagari script is in inscriptions from the 10th century AD. By the 12th century, the script had become widely used in northern India and was the main script for writing Sanskrit texts. Over the centuries, the script was adapted to write other Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Nepali, and others.
During the British colonial period in India, the Devanagari script was standardized and made an official script for several Indian languages. The script was also used in the transcription of many ancient Indian texts and manuscripts.
Today, the Devanagari script is an important part of India’s cultural heritage and is still widely used for writing many Indian languages. It has also become increasingly popular in digital media and is used in a variety of applications, including websites, mobile apps, and social media.
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