Uchen script
Uchen script emerged in between the seventh and early eighth century, alongside the formation and development of the Tibetan Empire.
The script originally was created in Tibet but was also adopted in the neighbouring country of Bhutan located in East Asia.
[1] Historians believe the script was created by the seventh century scribe and academic Thonmi Sambhota.
The creation of the script was undertaken by Thonmi Sambhota in the reign of Songtsen Gampo under the king's instructions.
[2] The subsequent implementation of Uchen script, under the reign of Songtsen Gampo has been credited to have aided in improving the Tibetan economy, trade and foreign relations of the period.
This set Tibet on the trajectory to gain greater power in South East Asia and establish itself as a successful and growing Empire.
Early Uchen manuscripts are attributed to have been recording proceedings of the kings, emperors and of matters of the court.
This is due to the fact that many examples of written Uchen script were scribed by Buddhist monks to write and record religious documents.
[2] Uchen script has also been located on documents found from a 'cave library' at Dunhuang that are histories and semi historical texts, giving key insights into cultural Tibetan life in the 9th century.
The earliest surviving examples of the written script are dated to have been made 100 years after the initial creation of the writing system.
Sources and artefacts made of rock and marble having lasted longer as they do not erode or rot over time.
Thus while there is lesser evidence of Uchen script inscribed on wooden surfaces, it is likely they existed but were not able to survive as long as the later stone inscriptions.
He commissioned Thonmi Sambhota to create a script for Tibet and Bhutan, and in doing so wished to emulate the power of surrounding successful nations like India.
One such written language that emerged from West Asia is Sumerian Cuneiform, the earliest documented writing system, which has been dated by historians to be from the Bronze Age.
[9] it is stylistically basic, using simple lines to create semi-realistic images to record language, such as depictions of animals.
Thus, Sumerian Cuneiform was the basis in which written language developed, and it influenced the Uchen script in its use of lines and abstract shapes that can be deciphered into words.
Uchen mirrors this use of alphabet in similarly being a tool for recording culturally significant stories poems and events, whilst using less pictographic letters.
