Karthik Malli is an independent researcher and writer based in Bangalore, India. His work, based in linguistics and history, focuses on the intersection of language, history, and identity in different parts of southern and western India. His research engages with written texts — from pre-modern inscriptions to modern printing — across a range of Indian languages and scripts, including Kannada, Urdu, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi.
Stories
Malayalam: Scripting Tradition and Modernity
by Karthik MalliThe article explores the rich tradition of Malayalam script and its evolution in the face of modern technologies. It delves into the challenges and innovations in adapting the script to digital platforms while preserving its cultural heritage.
Tracing Meitei Mayek & Ol Chiki Letters: A Comparative Study
by Karthik MalliThis essay explores socio-linguistic landscape of northeast of India and adoption of two minority writing scripts, Meitei Mayek and Ol Chiki, enjoying significant growth in popularity in recent years, establishing distinct identity of their users.
Devanagari – The Makings of a National Character
Essays by Karthik MalliThe story of Devanagari type from early print to the digital age, as Indian print culture both sparked and responded to intense socio-political change and constant technological innovation.