Origin: The term calligraphy is derived from two Greek words spelling artistic beauty and writing. India has inherited splendid history of calligraphy. The Indian artists have done gorgeous calligraphy on palm leaf, metal and stone.
During the 11th century medieval India period, under the Muslim rule, the official languages were Arabic and Persian. Repercussion of this was the development of Arabic calligraphy. Rulers, Nobles and intelligentsia belonging to Muslim faith joined hands to patronized Arabic calligraphy.
However, this did not adversely affect the school of Sanskrit calligraphy. During Sultanate and Mughal periods, the craft of Sanskrit calligraphy continued to flourish in the form of religious texts and Hindu literature.
The differentiating factor of classical calligraphy in comparison to typography and non-classical hand lettering is that calligrapher creates varied shapes of characters. The work of a traditional calligrapher is spontaneous, improvised, and is carried on in a structured manner.
Present Day: The old world charm of calligraphy has started inspiring and influencing the modern calligraphers. The modern calligrapher’s have increasingly started using this old form in advertising and graphic design.
Today, in addition to being a visual communication delight, calligraphy as an art form is used to visually interpret the spirit of texts, headlines, logos, and painting. Contemporary calligraphers are giving a new description to this old world craft of fine handwriting. New realms of expression and abstraction are created by modern calligraphers.
Famous calligraphers of modern times are Mohd Yasin, Khursheed Alam, Irshad Hussain Farooqui, and Achyut Ramchandra Palav. Modern calligraphers spend years polishing this art by studying history, technical nuisances and traditions of scribal history. The budding artist even go under the umbrella of expert artist.
Contemporary artists are studying fine arts, graphic designs, music and other associated subjects. This helps them in making this profession a success.
Procedure: The raw materials include: ink, paper, a smooth, hard, flat supporting surface, a ruler and pencil. Pick a pen, it can either be brush pen or fountain pen or dip pen. Serious calligraphers, often end up using dip pen.
Dip the pen in ink and hold it horizontally against the base. Play with pen and put pressure as per the requirement.
Multiple bases are used such as fabrics, ceramics, glass etc.
Bring Home Calligraphy: Bring home this piece of craft from the artisans’ fair trade exhibitions.