Chandas (typeface)
Chandas is a free, OpenType Devanagari typeface primarily designed for Vedic Sanskrit. It aims to provide a clear, legible, and aesthetically pleasing rendering of the complex character combinations and diacritics found in Vedic texts. Developed by Peter Scharf, Chandas is based on the traditional calligraphy of Devanagari script used for Vedic recitation and scholarly works.
Key characteristics of Chandas include:
- Comprehensive character set: It supports a wide range of Devanagari characters, including those necessary for representing the full phonetic inventory of Vedic Sanskrit, with specific support for older forms and ligatures that are less common in modern Devanagari fonts designed for Hindi or Marathi.
- Clarity and Legibility: The design prioritizes clarity, particularly for the numerous stacked consonants and diacritical marks common in Vedic Sanskrit. This is achieved through careful spacing, well-defined character shapes, and distinct glyphs.
- Traditional Aesthetic: Chandas seeks to emulate the look and feel of traditional handwritten Devanagari found in Vedic manuscripts and printed editions. This is reflected in the overall style and proportions of the letters.
- Open Source Licensing: The typeface is released under an open-source license, typically the GNU General Public License (GPL) or a similar permissive license. This allows for free use, modification, and distribution, promoting accessibility and collaborative development.
Chandas is primarily used for typesetting Vedic texts, scholarly publications on Sanskrit, and digital resources for Vedic studies. Its focus on clarity and comprehensive character support makes it particularly well-suited for this purpose, distinguishing it from general-purpose Devanagari fonts that may not adequately handle the intricacies of Vedic Sanskrit.