Editing Uchen script (section)

== Origin ==
Uchen script is&nbsp;a written [[Tibetan script]] that uses alphabetic characters to physically record the spoken languages of Tibet and Bhutan. 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]].<ref name=":2">{{cite book |doi=10.1017/9789048541881.002 |jstor=j.ctv13vdj47.5 |chapter=Field |title=Imagined Geographies in the Indo-Tibetan Borderlands |year=2020 |pages=45–66 |isbn=978-90-485-4188-1 |last1=Gohain |first1=Swargajyoti |publisher=Amsterdam University Press }}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" /> 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.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Gyatso |first1=Ribur Ngawang |last2=Tsonawa |first2=Losang N. |last3=Rigzin |first3=Tsepak |title=A Short History of Tibetan Script |journal=The Tibet Journal |date=1984 |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=28–30 |jstor=43300125 }}</ref> This improvement in economy and foreign relations elevated Tibet rapport with surrounding countries. This set Tibet on the trajectory to gain greater power in South East Asia and establish itself as a successful and growing Empire. These elevations largely can be credited to Uchen script, as the implementation of a centralised script for countries and regions can be both a unifying and money acquiring tool.<ref>Martin, H. J. (1994). ''The history and power of writing''. University of Chicago Press.</ref>

Uchen script was also heavily influenced by Indian written scripts of the period, namely [[Brahmi script]]s. This direct influence of India and link between the two writing systems was also useful as it connected Tibet with India's power. This aided Tibet in securing highly valuable connections between the two nations. As India was the most powerful country in the region at the time it made a powerful ally and example for Tibet. As Uchen script is based on Indic- [[Brahmi script]]s of the time period, it shares certain visual features. These include the use of long straight and curved characters that 'stack' to create syllables.

Uchen script was formulated by Thonmi Sambhota. Sambhota formulated the script after being sent to India to study script making. After being taught by, and observing expert Indian scribes and script makers he designed Uchen script. Sambhota used variations of these Indian and [[Brahmi script]]s to create a script unique to Tibet and Bhutan. The purpose of Uchen script was to document the Tibetan language and the language of Bhutan; [[Dzongkha]]. The use of the script served many functions. These functions include; documenting key events, the recording of religious scriptures and the recording of poetry and texts of cultural significance. These examples of written Uchen script have been found in the form of stone and wood carvings, as well as manuscripts written in ink onto paper.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |doi=10.1515/9783110225631.299 |chapter=Towards a Tibetan Palaeography: Developing a Typology of Writing Styles in Early Tibet |title=Manuscript Cultures: Mapping the Field |year=2014 |last1=Schaik |first1=Sam van |pages=299–338 |isbn=978-3-11-022562-4 }}</ref>