What Is the Sanskrit Script Called? Understanding Devanagari

Learn about the Sanskrit script called Devanagari, its features, and significance in classical and modern Indian languages.

Published

Video transcript

Sanskrit script is called Devanagari. It is an ancient script used in India, predominantly for classical Sanskrit and several modern Indian languages. Devanagari is characterized by its distinct horizontal line running along the top of the characters.

Questions and answers

  1. What is Devanagari script used for?

    Devanagari is mainly used to write Sanskrit as well as several modern Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, and Nepali.

  2. How can you identify Devanagari script?

    Devanagari is easily recognizable by the horizontal line, called the shirorekha, that runs along the top of the characters.

  3. Is Devanagari an ancient or modern script?

    Devanagari is an ancient script that has evolved over centuries and continues to be widely used in modern Indian languages.