PAHLAVI SCRIPTS Meaning and
Definition
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Pahlavi scripts refer to a group of ancient writing systems used primarily in the ancient Persian Empire and in Iran during the pre-Islamic era. The term "Pahlavi" originally referred to the Middle Persian language, and the scripts were developed as a means to write this language.
The Pahlavi scripts can be traced back to the 3rd century CE and were derived from Aramaic script. There are two main variations of Pahlavi scripts: the Inscriptional Pahlavi and the Book Pahlavi. The Inscriptional Pahlavi was primarily used for monumental inscriptions and official documents, while the Book Pahlavi was used for literary and religious texts.
In terms of its characteristics, the Pahlavi script is written from right to left, in a cursive manner, and is known for its distinctive ligatures and modifications to Aramaic characters. It consists of a combination of consonant and vowel signs, and diacritical marks are used to indicate vowels. Pahlavi scripts were primarily written on various materials such as parchment, leather, or paper.
After the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE, the use of Pahlavi scripts gradually declined as Arabic script became the dominant writing system. However, the knowledge and understanding of Pahlavi scripts remained important for scholars and researchers. Today, it is primarily studied by linguists, historians, and archaeologists for its insights into ancient Persian culture, religion, and literature.
