Nudi Fonts offer a versatile collection for Kannada script lovers, enabling seamless use of the rich and beautiful Kannada language in digital spaces.

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How to Install Nudi Fonts

The History of Kannada Script

Kannada, a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in Karnataka, has a script rich with historical significance. The earliest known inscription in Kannada dates back to around the 5th century CE. The inscription, known as the Halmidi inscription, was discovered in the village of Halmidi, about 150 km from Bengaluru. This ancient stone inscription is written in early Kannada and offers invaluable insights into the development of the language and its script.

image : Karnataka ithihasa academy

The evolution of the Kannada script went through significant transformations. The script we use today is a descendant of the Brahmi script and closely related to the Kadamba script, which dates back to the 4th century CE. Kannada script’s aesthetic, curvilinear forms were shaped by centuries of development and interaction with neighboring cultures and languages.

With the rise of Kannada literature and the language’s use in official records, the script saw further standardization during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century CE).

The Evolution of Kannada Script

The Kannada script we know today has evolved through centuries, influenced by various kingdoms and cultures that ruled the region. Here’s a glimpse into the rich history of its development:

1. Kadamba Script (5th Century CE)
   The Kadamba dynasty, which ruled parts of Karnataka and surrounding areas during the 4th and 5th centuries CE, used the Kadamba script (Kadamba lipi). This script is one of the earliest forms of writing in the Kannada language and laid the foundation for future scripts in the region. Over time, Kadamba script continued to evolve and was a precursor to the more refined Kannada script.
2. Adigamga Script (4th–6th Century CE)
3. 
   The Adigamga script, closely resembling Kadamba lipi, was used between the 4th and 6th centuries. It shared many features with Kadamba script, and both scripts were prominent in the southern region during this period, playing a crucial role in the early development of Kannada writing.
4. Chalukya, Hoysala, and Rashtrakuta Influence
   The Chalukyas, Hoysala, and Rashtrakutas used the Kadamba script and its variants during their reigns, which contributed to further evolution. These dynasties, especially during the 6th to 10th centuries CE, saw significant refinements in the script, with clearer, more curved forms appearing in inscriptions and manuscripts. This gradual transition shaped the modern Kannada script, which became more legible and standardized.
5. Later Developments
   By the time of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century CE), the Kannada script had matured into a highly sophisticated and artistic form. Inscriptions, literature, and official documents from this period reflect a refined version of the script that closely resembles the Kannada script in use today.

image : Karnataka ithihasa academy

The script’s evolution, from the early Kadamba and Adigamga forms to the Chalukya and later Hoysala and Vijayanagara variants, demonstrates the deep-rooted history and the cultural significance of the Kannada language across centuries.

These developments ensured that Kannada remained a vital language of administration, literature, and culture in South India.

By using Nudi fonts, you can not only preserve the beauty of the Kannada script but also contribute to the continued growth of Kannada’s digital footprint.

source: Kagapa , The Hindu , wikipedia

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