Reviving ‘Takri’ script of the yore

Balkrishan Prashar

‘Takri’ script remained in fashion in the entire north-western Himalayan region from Jammu to Garhwal. Furthermore, it was the official script of the princely courts of erstwhile hilly states for official work and correspondence.

A large number of copperplate charters, letters, agreements and manuscripts were written in ‘Takri’ script. A treasure of ‘Takri’ documents is housed in the Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba. These historical documents have been deciphered and published in a book by renowned art historian and scholar late Dr VC Ohri and ‘Takri’ expert Dr Vijay Sharma.

Lost in oblivion

‘Takri’ inscriptions are often seen written on the borders or the back of Pahari miniature paintings. In the early 20th century, Missionary of Scotland published a book Mangal Samachar in ‘Takri’ script. It remained in use in court matters in the erstwhile state of Chamba. In the course of time, the script was lost in oblivion.

Training workshops

The Bhuri Singh Museum started organising training workshops in ‘Takri’ script every year to acquaint people with it so that they could read inscriptions and documents. For this, the Chamba museum has also prepared a ‘Takri primer’ for the beginners.

Padma Shri awardee Dr Vijay Sharma says, “Takri is one of the ancient scripts, which had originated from the ‘Sharda’ script. Down the centuries, ‘Sharda’ was the popular script of Kashmir. Several inscriptions are incised on the metal and stone sculptures of Kashmir, besides manuscripts. Kashmir is also known as Sharda Pradesh. ‘Devashesh’ (a script during the transition period) was the offshoot of ‘Sharda’ script. Later, ‘Takri’ became the popular script in the north-western Himalayan region”.

With a view to reviving ‘Takri’ script, the Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba, organised a five-day workshop recently. Fifteen persons from various parts of Chamba district participated to learn the script of the yore.

Students learn script

Dr Vijay Sharma, an eminent painter and expert of ‘Takri’, conducted the workshop for the beginners. He said that scores of students were coming to learn the script every year. Chamba Divisional Forest Officer Nishant Mandhotra arose the curiosity of the participants in learning it. He also applauded the activities of the museum.