Editing Uchen script (section)

== Function ==
Uchen script, as all written scripts, fulfils its main function to record spoken language. Early Uchen [[manuscript]]s are attributed to have been recording proceedings of the kings, emperors and of matters of the court.<ref name=":1" />  These inscriptions were carved into stone, and wood. Other manuscripts attributed to have been created for the king and emperors of the seventh to tenth centuries include poetry dedicated to the king and recordings of key moments of the reign. Early examples of Uchen script were influenced strongly by [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. This is due to the fact that many examples of written Uchen script were scribed by Buddhist monks to write and record religious documents.<ref>Joffe, A. (1982). John Stevens: Sacred calligraphy of the East. Boulder, Colorado: Shambala Publications, inc., 1981. 6.95. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 45(2), 418-418. {{doi|10.1017/s0041977x00067240}}</ref> Uchen was also used to record official proceedings including legal matters, formal agreements and treaties. Most of these types of carvings were found in central Tibet, and are key artefacts in recording of the Tibetan emperors [[Trisong Detsen|Khri Srong Ide Brstan]] c. 756-797 and [[Sadnalegs|Khri Lde Srong Brtsan]] c.800-815.<ref name=":0" /> Uchen script has also been located on documents found from a [[Dunhuang manuscripts|'cave library' at Dunhuang]] that are histories and semi historical texts, giving key insights into cultural Tibetan life in the 9th century.<ref name=":0" /> The broad range of texts and the number of themes addressed show that Uchen script was used in order to record a broad range of activities and events deemed culturally important by the commissioner. One notable example of a functioning carving of Uchen script is a wooden block, with the carven Uchen [[alphabet]] used for printing ink onto parchment and paper. It is believed that this method of [[woodblock printing]] was used in order to print and replicate Uchen letters in an authentic way, and allow for less variation in script writing.<ref name=":1" />

Uchen script writing is not an alphabet widely practiced in the twenty first century. The styles can be found and replicated as they have been recorded in calligraphy manuals. These alphabets and forms use a later variant of the original script, not the ancient Uchen alphabet. [[File:Mahanavika_Buddhagupta_stone_inscription,_5th_century_CE,_Indian_Museum,_Kolkota.jpg|thumb|Mahanavika Buddhagupta stone inscription, (script carved into stone)  5th century CE, Indian Museum, Kolkota]]