Study of Assamese Letterform and Its Structure: An Exploratory Approach

Abstract

Assamese language has its own letterform or script. The evolution of the script from historical inscription to modern machinery driven form experiences many changes. The script has continuously progressed structurally as well as aesthetically to suit for machine reproduction and future demand from its original handmade manuscript phase. This study tries to explore the original letterforms that existed in various historical articles such as rock inscriptions, copper plate inscriptions, coins and Xaansi (or Saanchi) tree bark manuscripts found in the region of Assam originated from different time periods, by adopting an exploratory approach. The study also attempts to compare the historical letterforms with modern letterforms and try to establish distinct differences evolved during the progression period. Further the study attempts to address the scope of designing new typeface for Assamese script with unique identity traced from historical evidences which has not been explored till now.