Insight:
Over time, the Devanagari script has been subjected to systems not originally designed for it, such as Latin-based typesetting technologies, leading to a cultural hegemony of Latin over Indic scripts. The once intricate and versatile Devanagari script has been gradually simplified to fit these Western-centric systems, leading to a loss of its complex beauty and unique characteristics. In the pursuit of modernisation and compatibility, the script has been stripped of its nuanced, culturally significant features, resulting in a standardised form that sacrifices its original expressiveness and adaptability.
Aim:
The aim of this project is to educate both Indian and UK audiences about the cultural and historical shifts that have reshaped Devanagari over time. Through the lens of David Carson’s grunge typography and the expressive, handwritten style of Fiona Banner, I seek to convey the emotional depth and richness of Devanagari’s lost complexity. The final piece will be an editorial publication that visually represents the clash between Devanagari’s nuanced nature and the rigid framework of a Latin-based typesetting system. By embracing the script’s original versatility through text manipulation, ink impressions, and expressive typography, I hope to raise awareness of what has been lost and why it matters.
Audience:
This project targets both typographers and designers interested in the intersection of culture and type, as well as a broader audience in India and the UK with an interest in design, language, and cultural preservation.
Impact:
The project aims to evoke powerful emotions by highlighting the loss of Devanagari’s intricate features and the cultural implications of this shift. By pushing the boundaries of ink, script, and editorial design, the work seeks to inspire typographers and designers to reconsider how they approach non-Latin scripts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Devanagari’s complexity.
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