Impact of Writing Tools in the Evolution of Telugu Script

Abstract

The paper brings to focus, the role of the writing tools and writing medium on the evolution of the Telugu script from Brahmi script. It also correlates with the time period of the script transformation. The information on the Telugu script from the published works of prominent historians and linguists was studied. Then the data collected from various sources such as manuscripts, inscriptions, and library archives were analyzed and presented. The evolution of the Telugu script reaches a pinnacle by the end of the twentieth century AD, thanks to the standardization process that is necessary for a print-oriented mass modern society. However, due to the creative demands of the advertising and book publishing industry, the artistic dimension of the script found expression. The paper lays special emphasis on the impact of ergonomics of the Ghantam (metallic stylus) and the tool interaction on the Tadipatra (processed palm-leaf writing surface) and its influence on the rectilinear and curvilinear letterforms.