Everything you do is language.

Script of Angika: A Historical Writing System

1Chandan Suman, 2Jyoti Kiran, 3Sujeet Kumar

1Department of Foreign Language, Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi,

2Department of Hindi, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Bihar

3Department of Geography, Yadunasndan college Dighwara (Saran),

Jai Prakash University Chapra

1dr.chandansuman@gmail.com, 2jyoti.kiran.anvi@gmail.com, 3sujeetujp1@gmail.com

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Abstract:

This study delves into the historical writing system of Angika, known as "Angika Lipi," with the goal of explaining its origins, development, and cultural significance. The study focuses on the delicate relationship between culture, language, and script in the Angika-speaking region by drawing on references found in ancient texts as well as modern perspectives. The study investigates the historical context in which the script emerged and the cultural identity it encapsulates, tracing back to its mention in texts such as "Lalitavistara." This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Angika script and its enduring legacy through a multidisciplinary approach that includes historical narratives and linguistic analyses.

Keywords: Angika, Angika Lipi, Script Evolution, Cultural Significance

 

Introduction

The Angika script, known as "Angika Lipi," is a testament to the historical and cultural treasure of the Angika-speaking region of the Indian subcontinent. This research delves into the depths of this historical writing system in order to discover its origins, evolution, and significance. This study focuses on the elaborate interplay of culture, language, and script that defines the Angika script's legacy, drawing on references dating back to ancient times as well as contemporary insights.

As previously stated, Angika Lipi is mentioned in ancient texts, most notably in the Buddhist text “Lalitavistara” (Goswami, 2001; Wayman, 1998; Sarao, 2017). This text, which lists the various scripts known to Lord Buddha, establishes Angika Lipi as an important part of the linguistic landscape at the time. As we investigate the historical context in which this script arose, the intertwining of script, language, and cultural identity becomes apparent.

This research takes a comprehensive approach to understanding Angika's script. We hope to shed light on the complexities of Angika Lipi through an interdisciplinary investigation that includes historical narratives, linguistic analyses, and cultural insights. We hope to contextualise its significance within the region's larger historical and linguistic context by delving into its historical roots and evolution.

Literature review:

In 1994, T. Kuśavāhā published a book that presented the Angika language as a complete language. The book, titled Aṅgikā, sampūrṇa bhāshā, sampūrṇa sāhitya, discussed the history, linguistics, literature, and culture of the Angika language in detail. Kuśavāhā used various theories about the Angika language to present it as a complete language. He discussed the language's vocabulary, word order, word formation, compound words, word meaning, and word combinations. He also discussed the literature and culture of the Angika language, including the literature written in the Angika language and the culture of the Angika people. He used various theories about the language and discussed the literature and culture of the language in a comprehensive and informative way.

P. Pāṇḍeya's 1985 book Aṅgikā bhāshā is a comprehensive study of the Angika language. It covers the language's history, grammar, vocabulary, and literature. Pāṇḍeya begins by tracing the history of the Angika language from its early origins to its current state. He then discusses the grammar of the language, focusing on its phonology, morphology, and syntax. Pāṇḍeya also provides a comprehensive dictionary of Angika words, as well as a selection of Angika literature.

Angika kā Bhāṣā-Vigyani Adhyān by Pandeyparamananda is another comprehensive study of the Angika language. It provides information about the language's history, grammar, vocabulary, and literature. The book begins with a discussion of the history of the Angika language. He provides a detailed account of the origin and development of the language, as well as its various forms and dialects. He discusses the grammar of the Angika language. Pandeyparamananda provides a detailed description of the language's phonetics, morphology, and syntax, as well as its grammatical rules. Further he discusses the vocabulary of the Angika language and provides a detailed account of the language's native and foreign words, as well as the meaning and usage of each word. He also discusses the literature of the Angika language. He provides a detailed account of the various poetry, prose, and drama written in the language, as well as the different genres and topics of the language's literature.

Angika Bhāṣā kā Dhvani Vigyāni Adhyān by Ramesh Mohan Sharma is a systematic and in-depth study of the phonetic system of the Angika language. It provides information about the language's phonetic structures, phonetic rules, and phonetic changes.The book begins with a discussion of the phonetic system of the Angika language. Sharma provides a detailed account of the vowels, consonants, and semivowels of the language, as well as its phonetic structures, such as syllables, letters, and words. Further, he focuses on the phonetic rules of the Angika language. Sharma provides a detailed account of the vowel changes, consonant changes, and semivowel changes of the language, as well as the various types of phonetic rules of the language. He adds on the phonetic changes of the Angika language. And he provides a detailed account of the various types of phonetic changes that occur in the Angika language, as well as the causes and effects of phonetic changes in the Angika language.

Angika-Hindi Shabdakosh by Ḍomana Sāhu Samira is a bilingual dictionary of the Angika and Hindi languages. It was published in 1997 and contains over 10,000 entries. Each entry provides the Angika word, its Hindi translation, and its grammatical information. The dictionary also includes a number of appendixes, such as a list of Angika pronouns, a list of Angika verbs, and a list of Angika compound words.

Angika-Vyakarana by Ḍomana Sāhu Samira is a comprehensive grammar of the Angika language. It was published in 1998 and covers all aspects of the language, from phonology to syntax. The grammar provides a detailed account of the language's sounds, words, phrases, and sentences. It also includes a number of exercises to help readers practice their Angika grammar skills. Angika-Vyakarana is an important resource for anyone who wants to learn about the Angika language. It is a comprehensive and informative grammar that provides a wealth of information about the language's structure.

The Anga Lipi:

The Anga Lipi, represented as, is a testament to ancient India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. This historical writing system has sparked scholarly interest due to its distinct characteristics and significance in the context of ancient scripts. It is mentioned in the Buddhist text "Lalitavistara," which lists it as one of the 64 scripts known to Lord Buddha (Aligarh, A. M. U., An Inquiry into Negation(s) in Scripts: A Comparative Study).

Olivelle (2006) acknowledges the Anga Lipi's historical significance, shedding light on its role as a writing system that existed within the rich tapestry of ancient Indian scripts. While not as well-known as some of its contemporaries, this system has played an important role in evolution.

The Buddhist text "Lalitavistara," (Goswami, 2001; Wayman, 1998; Sarao, 2017) which acknowledges Anga Lipi as one of the scripts known to Lord Buddha, provides a valuable glimpse into the past. This historical connection emphasises the script's importance in the realms of communication and language during that time period (Aligarh, A. M. U., An Inquiry into Negation(s) in Scripts: A Comparative Study). As Buddhism spread its influence across various regions, scripts such as Anga Lipi played an important role in transmitting and preserving the religion's teachings and narratives.

The Anga Lipi is a testimonial to ancient India's rich linguistic and cultural history. Its inclusion in historical texts and recognition as one of the scripts known to Lord Buddha highlight its importance in communication, learning, and knowledge dissemination. While its use may have declined over time, its presence in historical records and scholarly discussions ensures that its legacy lives on, providing a window into the diverse world of ancient writing systems.

The Historical Significance of Anga Script

The Anga Script, a remarkable piece of ancient India's linguistic mosaic, has profound historical significance. The script's historical significance is highlighted by its mention in the "Lalitavistara," (Goswami, 2001; Wayman, 1998; Sarao, 2017) an ancient Sanskrit Buddhist text. The "Lalitavistara" places Anga Lipi relatively early on the list of the 64 scripts known to the Buddha. This mention attests to the script's existence and significance in the context of that era's linguistic diversity (Coke Burnell, 1878).

Arthur Coke Burnell, a well-known philologist and scholar, investigated these ancient scripts. He questioned the veracity of some of the scripts mentioned in the "Lalitavistara." While he believed that certain scripts, such as Dravid, Anga, and Banga, were real, he also acknowledged that some of the 64 scripts could have mythical origins. Burnell's analysis of these scripts, including Anga Lipi, focuses on the different interplay between historical records and the evolution of writing systems (Coke Burnell, 1878).

The historical narratives embedded in the "Lalitavistara" provide glimpses into ancient India's linguistic landscape. The text endows Anga Lipi with authenticity and historical continuity by designating it as one of the scripts known to the Buddha. While some scripts may have withered away, including them in historical documents ensures that they are not lost to the sands of time.

The observations of Arthur Coke Burnell echo the complexities of deciphering the historical origins of scripts. His recognition of Anga Lipi and other scripts as real, if somewhat potentially evolving over centuries, emphasises the dynamic nature of writing systems. The gradual evolution of the scripts into distinct alphabets in the 9th or 10th centuries CE reflects relationship between linguistic evolution and historical context.

The Anga Script's inclusion in the "Lalitavistara" and recognition by scholars such as Arthur Coke Burnell testifies to its historical significance. The presence of the script in ancient texts and scholarly debates adds to our understanding of the linguistic diversity and evolution of writing systems in ancient India.

Anga: Exploring a Geographical and Cultural Region

Anga, also known as Ang, is an important geographical and cultural feature of the Indian subcontinent. This region, known as Ang Pradesh and the Angika-Belt (Pandey, 1963), contains a rich historical and linguistic heritage that has survived over time.

Anga's geographical extent has been recognized by various terms, including Ang Pradesh and the Angika-Belt. These terms emphasise the region's cultural and historical significance. Pandey (1963) sheds light on these designations, revealing how Anga's identity is linked to its geographical boundaries.

The native language of Anga, Angika, is central to its identity. Caudhar (1977) and Kumari et al. (2020) highlight the region's linguistic fabric. The Angika language, spoken by the people of Anga, serves as a linguistic link between the past and the present. Angika's linguistic heritage contributes to the preservation of the region's cultural identity.

The name "Anga" has many different meanings. It refers not only to the historical Anga Kingdom, but also to modern-day territories located within the ancient boundaries of Anga. Missal (2021) and Nagraj (1986) expand on this dual interpretation. Anga's legacy, as seen through this lens, extends beyond the pages of history and pervades the contemporary landscape.

The persistence of Anga's name and legacy demonstrates the perseverance of cultural and geographical identities. The term "Anga" continues to conjure up associations with the region's historical roots and linguistic heritage. Anga's significance endures in modern society, serving as a reminder of the delicate interplay between history, culture, and language.

Language Vitality and Digital Support:

Formal institutions have not actively supported the survival of the Angika language. Despite the lack of formal support, there is a prevailing practise within homes and communities where the norm is that every child participates in the acquisition and utilisation of the Angika language. The collective effort of families and the local community, where the transmission of Angika from one generation to the next is upheld as an intrinsic value, supports this grassroots commitment to the language's continuity.

Because of rapid advances in science, technology, and multimedia, the Angika language has made significant progress toward advancement and accessibility. This advancement is demonstrated by its conversion to a digital format or incorporation into encoding tools. These novel approaches not only facilitate the preservation and propagation of Angika, but also expand its reach and utilisation in today's digital landscape. This evolution demonstrates the language's adaptability and embrace of modern means of survival and relevance.

Language Vitality

Digital language support

Stable — The language is not being sustained by formal institutions, but it is still the norm in the home and community that all children learn and use the language.

Emerging — the language has some content in digital form and/or encoding tools

Source: https://www.ethnologue.com/language/anp/

Conclusion:

The script of Angika, known as "Angika Lipi," emerges as a captivating thread that weaves together history, culture, and identity in the delicate landscape of linguistic and cultural heritage. This research uncovers the delicate plotline of Angika Lipi, tracing its origins, historical significance, and lasting legacy.

As previously discussed, the presence of Angika Lipi in ancient texts, particularly the Buddhist text "Lalitavistara," firmly links it in the region's historical narrative. The script's mention in this text is a testament to its relevance at the time, reflecting the close relationship between language, culture, and written communication.

We develop a greater understanding of the script's role in preserving the cultural identity of the Angika-speaking region by investigating the historical context in which it arose. The script becomes more than just a means of communication; it becomes a means of transmitting cultural narratives, historical accounts, and shared traditions.

This investigation broadens its scope to include Angika's historical and cultural significance. As we explore its geographical and cultural dimensions, the region of Anga, with its rich history and linguistic fabric, gets going. From its reference in ancient texts to its prominence as a geographical and cultural region, Anga exemplifies the interaction of history, language, and identity.

Finally, Angika Lipi's study is an exploration of heritage and identity encapsulated within the strokes of a script. The script's historical roots and cultural resonance provide us with a window into the past, enriching our understanding of the region's historical journey. The Angika script becomes more than just an item; it serves as a link between generations, preserves traditions, and embodies the enduring spirit of a people and their culture.

As we conclude this research, we recognise that Angika Lipi not only transmits written communication but also carries the essence of a living linguistic and cultural heritage. Angika Lipi's legacy exemplifies the perseverance of a region's history and the enduring power of script to shape and define identity throughout the ages.

 

References:

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Coke Burnell, A. (1878). Elements of South-Indian Palaeography from the Fourth to the Seventeenth Century A.D. Trübner & Co. (Available on archive.org)

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