Dewani

Dewani script is an Ottoman development identical to Shikasteh (broken style). The script was widely developed by the accomplished calligrapher Ibrahim Munif in the late 15th century from the Persian Ta’liq . Dewani reached its top prestige in the 17th century , due to the well-known calligrapher Shala Pasha.

Like Riq’a , Dewani became a common script for writing in the Ottoman chancellery . Dewani is exceedingly cursive and highly structured with its letters undotted and unconventionally combined . It uses no vowel marks . Dewani also developed an ornamental variety known as Dewani Jali which also was often known as Humayuni ( Imperial ) .

The growth and development of Dewani Jali is credited to Hafiz Uthman . The spaces between the letters are spangled with decorative devices which do not necessarily have any specific orthographic merit . Dewani Jali is highly favored for ornamental requirements .