Sunita Dangol Ranjana script is one of the most beautiful calligraphy scripts in the world. It is also known as Lantsa. It is not only the script of the indigenous group Newars, but duly important to all Nepalese as well. Ranjana script was used to write Sanskrit, Nepalbhasa, Maithili, and various Nepali languages.
Ranjana must be written using a calligraphic implement, as the thickness of the strokes is important. The words themselves are carefully constructed and may be seen in ancient temples, stupas, and shrines; not only around Nepal, but also in its neighboring countries. Nowadays, it is also used in Buddhist monasteries in China, Tibet, India, Mongolia, and Japan. Despite its rich history, the script had fallen out of use in recent years due to a turbulent political period in Nepal. However, the script survived, and the next generation of Newars and Non-Newars alike have begun learning and bringing the script back into the mainstream.
This Ranjana workshop will explore calligraphy techniques for Ranjana script, various calligraphy tools, and explain rules regarding Ranjana lipi. We will also shed some light on Kutakshar, which is the vertical writing system of Ranjana Lipi. Through this workshop, one will be able to read and write basic Ranjana letters, and make words in standard Ranjana and Kutakshar forms.