NCJ Number
138363
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (April/June 1992) Pages: 143-150
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The examination of Devnagari script is difficult because writing style varies throughout the regions of India, but knowing specific writer or writing characteristics may facilitate the analysis of handwritten Devnagari script.
Abstract
Hindi is the national language of India and the official language of seven Indian states (Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan). The script in which Hindi is written is known as Nagari or Devnagari script. Every Devnagari writer has his or her own speed of writing. Skillful writing exhibits rhythm that manifests itself as proportionate spacing between characteristics, words, and lines of writing. Although absolute measurement is not required, the relative size of characteristics in both normal and hurried writing is an important element of analysis. Because of its prolific use and popularity, the Devnagari script has developed to a stage where individual writers vary their slant from the extreme right of the vertical through the vertical and then to the extreme left of the vertical. There is no upper or lower case in Devnagari script, and most characters involve multiple strokes. Neuromuscular coordination of the writer appears to be the most important factor in determining the element of alignment in writing. Knowledge of the Devnagari script is key to the examination of handwriting. The examiner must also know the specifics of writing different characters in the alphabet; the well-developed system of putting in various vowel signs is a peculiarity of the Devnagari script. 4 references and 8 figures