Jump to content

Draft:Vessali script

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vessali Script

[edit]
Vessali
Script type
Abugida
Time period
6th–8th centuries CE
DirectionLeft-to-right
LanguagesArakanese, Pali
Related scripts
Parent systems
Unicode
Not yet encoded
 This page contains phonetic transcriptions in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). For an introductory guide on IPA symbols, see Help:IPA. For the distinction between [ ], / / and ⟨ ⟩, see IPA § Brackets and transcription delimiters.


The Vessali script is an ancient script historically used in the region of Arakan (present-day Rakhine State in Myanmar) during the Vessali Kingdom, which thrived between the 6th and 8th centuries CE. This script was primarily used for religious and administrative purposes, including inscriptions and the preservation of Buddhist texts.

History

[edit]

The Vessali script is closely associated with the cultural and political history of the ancient Vessali Kingdom. The kingdom was a prominent center for Theravāda Buddhism, and the script reflects its role in disseminating Buddhist teachings. Inscriptions in the Vessali script have been discovered on stone slabs, coins, and other artifacts, providing insights into the language and culture of the time.

Characteristics

[edit]

The Vessali script shares similarities with other South and Southeast Asian scripts, such as Brahmi and its derivatives. It is believed to have evolved from early Brahmi scripts, adapting to local linguistic and cultural needs. The script was used to write an early form of the Arakanese language, which is related to the Burmese language.

Alphabet

[edit]

The Vessali script consists of a series of characters representing consonants, vowels, and diacritical marks. Each character has a distinct shape, and the script follows an abugida system, where consonants form the base and vowels are added as modifiers. Efforts are ongoing to catalog and standardize the script for inclusion in Unicode.

Rediscovery and Preservation

[edit]

In modern times, scholars and researchers have worked to rediscover and preserve the Vessali script. Inscriptions in the script have been found at archaeological sites in Arakan and surrounding regions. These discoveries have sparked interest in documenting and digitizing the script for academic study and cultural preservation.

Unicode and Digitization

[edit]

There is an active effort to include the Vessali script in the Unicode Standard. This would enable the digital representation of the script, ensuring its preservation and use in modern technologies. The inclusion in Unicode would also facilitate further research and the promotion of the script among scholars and the public.

Significance

[edit]

The Vessali script is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Arakanese people and the broader history of Southeast Asia. Its study provides valuable insights into the linguistic, religious, and administrative practices of ancient Arakan.

See Also

[edit]


References

[edit]