Palaeographic Perspectives on Modi Script: Part 1 – Script Confusions

Abstract

This paper examines a paleographic challenge in Modi script, where the fluidity of handwriting often blurs the distinction between characters. By analyzing an example in which the consonant kha is rendered almost identically to the vowel ā, the study highlights how scribal inconsistencies complicate interpretation. Such confusion demonstrates the need for readers to rely not only on graphic comparison within a manuscript but also on contextual knowledge of Marathi vocabulary. The analysis underscores the importance of cross-referencing, linguistic intuition, and paleographic expertise when deciphering Modi documents.

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— Karai, Kanchan Modi Script Transliterator & Researcher

Citation Note: Readers and researchers are requested to cite this work as indicated below when referring to it in their publications.

Suggested Citation (APA):
Karai, Kanchan. (2025). Paleographic Perspectives on Modi Script: Part 1 – Script Confusions [PDF].

Suggested Citation (MLA):
Karai, Kanchan. "Paleographic Perspectives on Modi Script: Part 1 – Script Confusions." 2025. PDF.

Suggested Citation (Chicago):
Karai, Kanchan. Paleographic Perspectives on Modi Script: Part 1 – Script Confusions. 2025. PDF.

Acknowledgement: The author acknowledges the use of MoDi Khilari 1 font for representing Modi script in this paper.

© 2025 Karai, Kanchan. All rights reserved.