Sharda script, an ancient script with a rich history, has captured the interest of many scholars and researchers worldwide. Its origin, linguistic connections, and cultural significance make it a fascinating subject to explore. In this blog post, we will delve into the language the Sharda script is based on and its relevance in the modern world.
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Understanding the Sharda Script
The Sharda script is an ancient Brahmi-based script that originated around the 8th century CE in the region of Kashmir, northern India. It was widely used for writing Sanskrit, Sharda, and Kashmiri, among other languages and dialects spoken in the region. The script is named after the ancient title of Sharada Peeth temple (dedicated to the goddess Sharada) in Kashmir, which was once a famous center of learning and scholarship.
Sharda script exhibits distinct features, most notably its curved shapes and its unique set of characters. It is believed to have evolved from the earlier Brahmi script, just like many other South Asian scripts such as Devanagari, Gurmukhi, and Gujarati. Brahmi script, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, was considered the parent script and the foundation on which Sharda and other scripts were developed.
Language Connections of the Sharda Script
As mentioned earlier, the Sharda script was used to write Sanskrit, Sharda, and Kashmiri languages. Of these, Sanskrit is considered the primary language connected to the script. Sanskrit, an ancient language of India, plays a crucial role in the preservation of classical sacred texts, Vedic scriptures, and other Indian literature. This makes the Sharda script particularly important for tracing historical and religious connections in that region.
While Sanskrit is undeniably the primary language, it is interesting to note that the Sharda script was also used for writing Sharda, an extinct vernacular language of the region. It was written in the same alphabet as Sanskrit but exhibited distinct regional characteristics. Despite its decline, the Sharda language still holds cultural relevance as it preserves a rich corpus of Kashmiri Pandit literature and religious texts.
Additionally, the Sharda script was widely used for the Kashmiri language, an Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly in the Kashmir Valley. The use of the Sharda script for Kashmiri literature and documentation is considered significant from linguistic, historical, and cultural perspectives.
Significance of the Sharda Script Today
Though the usage of the Sharda script has significantly diminished, it remains an important research subject among scholars and historians. Reviving the script and deciphering historical texts provide valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic aspects of the region. Furthermore, promoting the Sharda script and preserving manuscripts written in this ancient script would contribute to the conservation of the invaluable cultural heritage of Kashmir and South Asia.
