In Urdu script, calligraphy is referred to as an ancient art form, used to write sayings, verses, titles, or names. Urdu calligraphy has a rich and diverse history, which has transformed and evolved over several years. Ranging from its roots in old China to its current variations, this art form has not only survived the challenges of time but has also adapted and flourished. When Islam gained prominence in the seventh century, the evolution of Urdu calligraphy became significant as the script was used to translate the Quran and other religious messages. Moreover, Urdu calligraphy serves as a reminder of people’s captivation with the written word. From ancient symbols to modern calligraphy, the art form has advanced while maintaining its allure. Below, we will explore the beautiful history of Urdu calligraphy and examine how it has changed over the decades. Read more about 12 Best Urdu Calligraphy fonts, perfect to add elegance into your designs.
Origins of Urdu Calligraphy
Since we are learning the evolution of Urdu calligraphy, its important to learn its roots first. Urdu calligraphy has its roots in the Arabic and Persian calligraphic traditions. Originally, this language was evolved from these two languages and were adopted by the Indian subcontinent by the Turkish and Persian Turkic forces during the eleventh century. The Persian script, specifically known as the Nastaliq style was introduced for writing Urdu scripts in the South Asian countries. Categorized by its cursive nature, this style became the main script for Urdu calligraphy, allowing people for the beautiful as well as intricate designs that are features of Urdu calligraphy at present. Moreover, Urdu calligraphy is a crucial aspect of Islamic art. The progress of calligraphic styles such as Naskh, Kufic, and Thuluth in Arabic provided the base for later adaptations in Urdu and Persian.
History of Urdu Calligraphy
As Urdu calligraphy has a rich legacy or history from the past many centuries, with roots in the Arabic and Persian. That’s why the growth of Urdu calligraphy is closely associated with the development of the Urdu language. During the Mughal period, Urdu calligraphy was at its peak and calligraphers played a vital role in daily communication, from writing official announcements to writing books and manuscripts. With the beginning of innovation, this art form started to decline. But initiatives such as Project Kitabat have renewed this art form, making efforts in protecting & promoting Urdu calligraphy. Current calligraphers such as Qamar Dagar have played with lines, letters, colors, and strokes, making their own style. Calligraphers have tested with combination of different scripts and styles, like mandala art or Urdu calligraphy, to create beautiful designs.
A Look into the Evolution of Urdu Calligraphy
When cultures and civilizations thrived, the evolution of this calligraphy begins, adapting to different languages as well as aesthetics. Urdu typeface has become a crucial art form in the Islamic world because of the ban on figurative art. Afterwards, it resulted in the development of complex scripts such as Thuluth, Naskh, and Diwani, often utilized to decorate manuscripts and mosques. In Europe, this art form progressed on another level during the ancient times. Transcribers accurately created illuminated manuscripts, adorning them with complex letterforms and bright colors. Furthermore, the Uncial and Gothic scripts were specifically well-known during this period. Revived Europe witnesses the rise of Copperplate and Italic scripts, which showed the intellectual and artistic development of the time.
Some Popular Styles of Urdu Calligraphy
With the growth of Islamic culture, Urdu script acquired popularity as a means for transcribing the Quran as well as various religious texts like we discussed earlier. It led to the formation of an array of complex styles of calligraphy, each with its exclusive characteristics. Different styles, for example, Thuluth, Naskh, Nastaliq, Kufic, and Diwani became pillars of Urdu calligraphy, with every style exhibiting a different cultural and historical period.
| Calligraphic Styles | Description |
|---|---|
| Thuluth | The curving lines of Thuluth often decorated the mosques walls, reflecting the magnificence of Islamic architecture. |
| Naskh | Popular for its readability became the favorite style for daily writing and manuscripts. |
| Nastaliq | It is a Persian calligraphic style. Nastaliq style has long horizontal and short verticals strokes. |
| Kufic | It was the original Arabic script utilized at the period of the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W). Kufic is rigid and linear style. |
| Diwani | It is an Ottoman Turkish style. Diwani is the cursive, luxurious style of Arabic calligraphy established during the era of the ancient Ottoman Turks. |
Current Trends in Urdu Calligraphy
Modern Urdu typography is a latest style that has progressed from traditional calligraphic forms such as Spenserian and copperplate scripts. It blends elements from these unique styles while adding its innovative twist, leading to something that seems familiar yet latest at the same time. Modern calligraphers frequently utilize bolder strokes than their ancestors did, giving their projects better impact visually. This sort of calligraphy is often utilized for tasks such as logos or invitations where a more modern appearance is desired.
Most Popular Styles in Modern Urdu Calligraphy
Calligraphy is evolving with the changing design needs and trends. Designers like exploring and creating fonts by using different techniques and styles. Such hybrid fonts are perfect for modern designs, to add an identity and artistic expression to your art. Some of the most popular styles in modern Urdu calligraphy are as follows:
Brush Lettering
Brush lettering utilizes a unique brush pen instead of the old writing instrument. It develops a striking effect by permitting the calligrapher to make letters that switch between thick and thin lines. These comprise paper, sketchbook, brush pens, and ink.
Bounce Lettering
A style of calligraphy that seems to change up and down. Bounce lettering is also called bouncing or jumping letters because the pen strokes seem to be bouncing off the paper as they are being transcribed. It can be used for a wide range of purposes like posters, signs, wedding invitations, or even logos. Moreover, check out our collection of 11 best Tiktok Urdu Font to make fun and energetic content.
Graffiti Lettering
This style of lettering is seen on walls, train cars, and even sidewalks. Graffiti Lettering is an attractive art form, with its origins firmly rooted in the 1980s. Also, it is the art of writing stylized letters, generally sourced from old calligraphy or graffiti letters.
Serif Typefaces
These typefaces include minor flourishes on the characters ends and straight lines. Serif fonts are frequently utilized in professional projects because they are simpler to read at smaller resolutions and have a classic essence. Read more about Best Urdu Typing Software to write Urdu directly on your computer.
Final Words
Wrapping up, Urdu calligraphy is a major art form that has been utilized since decades to create attractive projects. As compared to the ancient times, Urdu typography has evolved so much today. At present, calligraphers have a variety of fonts styles to select from, each with their individual features and properties. Whether calligraphers want to enhance the visual appeal of their projects or give them a contemporary look, modern-calligraphy offers something for everybody. To begin with Urdu calligraphy, it is very important to start with an easy style and choose the best typeface for it.
