how old is devanagari script

October 10, 2025 services

The Devanagari script is one of the most ancient and widely used writing systems in the Indian subcontinent. Known for its beautifully structured letters and horizontal line that connects them, this script is used to write several major languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, and Nepali. While modern usage is familiar to many, the historical roots of Devanagari go far deeper. Understanding how old the Devanagari script is requires an exploration of its linguistic ancestry, evolution, and cultural significance over the centuries.

Origins of the Devanagari Script

From Brahmi to Devanagari

Devanagari evolved from the ancient Brahmi script, which is one of the oldest scripts in the Indian subcontinent. The Brahmi script dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE, as evidenced by Ashokan inscriptions. Over time, Brahmi underwent regional transformations, resulting in multiple derivative scripts, including Gupta script.

The Gupta script, which flourished between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, is considered a direct ancestor of Devanagari. From Gupta, the script further evolved into the Nagari script, which was used around the 7th century CE. By the 10th century CE, the more refined and recognizable form of Devanagari emerged.

The Meaning of Devanagari

The name Devanagari combines two Sanskrit words: Deva, meaning divine, and Nagari, meaning city. Thus, Devanagari can be interpreted as the script of the city of the gods. This name reflects the script’s traditional association with sacred Hindu texts and religious literature.

Age of Devanagari in Historical Records

Early Evidence of Devanagari

Although the Nagari script existed in earlier centuries, the standardized form of Devanagari began to be seen in inscriptions and manuscripts from the 10th century onward. One of the earliest examples of Devanagari in inscriptions is the inscription found in the Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, dated to the early 11th century.

By the 11th and 12th centuries, Devanagari was already being used to transcribe classical Sanskrit literature, legal documents, and religious scriptures. Thus, the script in its mature form is approximately 1,000 years old.

Manuscripts and Literary Works

Many ancient manuscripts written in Sanskrit and other languages appear in Devanagari script from the medieval period. These include works of philosophy, science, grammar, and astrology. Religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Vedas were also transcribed into Devanagari to ensure wider accessibility during that time.

Expansion and Influence of Devanagari

Used for Multiple Languages

Although initially used for Sanskrit, the Devanagari script eventually became the standard for several other languages. Today, it is used for:

Hindi the most spoken language in India
Marathi the official language of Maharashtra
Nepali the national language of Nepal
Maithili, Konkani, and others

Its expansion beyond Sanskrit helped preserve the script’s relevance and continuity through changing dynasties and linguistic shifts.

Devanagari and Colonial Impact

During British colonial rule, efforts were made to standardize Indian languages for administrative purposes. Hindi in Devanagari script was promoted in northern India, particularly as a counterpart to Urdu written in Perso-Arabic script. This political and cultural emphasis contributed to the further solidification of Devanagari as a dominant script in the region.

Modern Standardization and Digital Usage

Unicode and Typing

In the 21st century, the Devanagari script has found new life in digital formats. With the introduction of Unicode standards, Devanagari characters can now be used universally on computers, smartphones, and digital devices. Fonts like Mangal and Lohit have been created to support Devanagari script across platforms.

Global Academic Interest

Scholars around the world continue to study the Devanagari script, not only for linguistic research but also for understanding ancient Indian literature, philosophy, and history. Universities in Europe and North America offer Sanskrit courses that teach students how to read and write Devanagari.

Fun and Surprising Facts About Devanagari

Not a Phonetic Script, But Close

Devanagari is an abugida, not a true alphabet. Each character represents a consonant followed by an inherent vowel. Diacritical marks are added to indicate different vowels. This system makes it both efficient and precise in representing the sounds of Indian languages.

Horizontal Line is a Defining Feature

One of the most recognizable aspects of Devanagari is the horizontal line that runs across the top of its characters, known as the Shirorekha. This line connects all the characters in a word, giving the script its unique visual flow. Earlier scripts, like Brahmi or Gupta, did not include this feature.

Sanskrit Grammar Fits Perfectly

Ancient Sanskrit grammar by Panini was written centuries before Devanagari came into use, yet Devanagari suits Sanskrit perfectly. This compatibility is often cited as a testament to the script’s design, which accommodates complex phonetics and grammatical rules with precision.

It’s Written from Left to Right

Unlike some ancient scripts such as Arabic or Persian that are written right to left, Devanagari is written left to right. This makes it more accessible to people used to Latin scripts and simplifies digital alignment and formatting.

Devanagari Numerals Exist

In addition to letters, Devanagari has its own set of numerals. While modern Indian languages tend to use international (Arabic) numerals today, the original Devanagari numerals are still taught in classical texts and some traditional schools.