In the expansive cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent, the ancient art of calligraphy has a deep-rooted history dating back to the 2nd century BCE. This art form is intricately intertwined with India's history, spirituality, and regional diversity. Its genesis harks back to the emergence of Indic languages, which first found expression on birch bark, locally known as Bhojpatra. Even with the introduction of paper, palm leaves remained a favored medium for pen writing, laying the foundation for the intricate and ornamental handwriting that characterizes calligraphy today.
These early manuscripts, meticulously crafted and bound together with string, signify not only the functional aspect of communication but also the artistic expression embedded in the act of writing. As the art form traversed through the Middle Ages, it embraced influences from Central Asia and Southeast Asia, evolving into a harmonious blend of Persian, Arabic, and indigenous traditions. The Mughal period saw the zenith of calligraphic finesse, with manuscripts adorned in flowing Persian script, a testament to the mutual influence shaping India's unique calligraphic identity.
In the modern period, from the 16th century onwards, Sikhism became a cornerstone in the history of Indian calligraphy. The faithful handwritten transcription of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, by practitioners such as Pratap Singh Giani, exemplifies the enduring significance of calligraphy as a means of religious devotion. Beyond its religious facets, calligraphy emerged as a vital form of pre-print communication, fostering unity among diverse communities before the advent of printing technology.
Today, Indian calligraphy, while celebrated as an art form, remains deeply rooted in its historical context, continuing to tell the stories of saints, traders, and communities through the intricate strokes of pens on palm leaves, birch bark, and paper. With that in mind, let me share with you the wonderful initiative that has been undertaken by the Ma'din Academy in Melmuri, Malappuram, Kerala to preserve this ancient art form. The academy officials recognized the dilapidated conditions of ancient calligraphic works and the need to preserve and restore them. This propelled them to organize a two-day exhibition on the 20th and 21st of January.
The two-day exhibition, jointly inaugurated by international calligrapher Mukhtar Ahmed and the pioneer of Malayalam calligraphy, Narayana Bhattathiri, witnessed a diverse showcase of works by eminent calligraphers from around the globe. The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Ma’din Academy chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari, marked a significant step towards encouraging and popularizing calligraphy as an art form in the state of Kerala.
The exhibited works hail from a range of countries, including Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, and Egypt. A variety of calligraphic variants, such as Sulus, Diwani, Ruqqa, Persian, and Sunbuli, captivated the interest of language enthusiasts. Ma’din Academy's initiative to host the exhibition aligns with its commitment to not only preserve but also foster an appreciation for the art of calligraphy.
Notable figures in attendance included writer Iftikar Ahmed Shareef from Delhi, along with calligraphers Ameerul Islam from Hyderabad, Abdulla Faizal from Bengaluru, Abdul Sattar from Hyderabad, Ma’din Calligraphy department director Anfas Wandoor, and Ma’din Academy's managerial team.
The Ma'din Academy will conduct calligraphy training programs in collaboration with leading international bodies in the field. It will also stage international competitions offering substantial prize money to encourage and motivate both old and new practitioners. Besides calligraphy courses, Ma'din also offers courses in Islamic illumination, pencil drawing, and painting.
Follow Ma'din Academy here.
If you enjoyed reading this article, here's more from Homegrown:
This Republic Day, Meet The Calligraphy Artists Behind The Indian Constitution
Meet The Type Artist Exploring The Visual Culture Hidden In Arabic History
Farha Alam Blurs The Lines Of Visual Art To Create Stunning Multifaceted Artworks