History of Gurmukhi & Comparison with Hindi

Discover the roots of Gurmukhi, its importance in Punjabi culture, and how it differs from Hindi.

Origins of Gurmukhi

Gurmukhi was standardized in the 16th century by Guru Angad Dev Ji to record the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Derived from ancient scripts like Laṇḍā, it was adapted to suit Punjabi pronunciation and became the backbone of literacy in Punjab and Sikhism.

Gurmukhi vs. Devanagari (Hindi Script)

Structural Design: Gurmukhi uses unique, rounded characters with a consistent top line.
Phonetic Accuracy: Designed for Punjabi sounds, while Devanagari supports Hindi, Sanskrit, and Marathi.
Cultural Identity: Gurmukhi is deeply tied to Sikhism and Punjabi heritage; Devanagari has roots in Hinduism and North Indian languages.

Why It Matters

Learning Gurmukhi helps you access Sikh scriptures, understand cultural expression, and connect with Punjabi on a deeper level. It carries not only language but also identity and history.