Kawi Unicode Block

The Kawi script is represented in Unicode by the block called "Kawi," and it occupies the range from U+11F00 to U+11F5F. This script is a Brahmic script that was historically used in parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in regions that are now Indonesia and the Philippines, from the 8th to the 16th centuries. The word "Kawi" itself is derived from a Sanskrit term meaning "poet" or "sage." The script was predominantly used for writing Old Javanese and Sanskrit texts, serving as an important vehicle for the cultural and literary interchange in the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Southeast Asia.

The Kawi Unicode block contains 88 characters, including consonants, vowels, numeric digits, and various signs used for punctuation and other diacritical functions. This range ensures comprehensive representation of the script as it was historically used. Its inclusion in Unicode plays a crucial role in digital humanities, enabling scholars and enthusiasts around the world to accurately encode and study texts written in the Kawi script. In doing so, it supports the continued research and preservation of Southeast Asian cultural heritage, offering insights into the region's historical texts, religious practices, and literary expressions.

View a range of fonts that support the Kawi block.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the Kawi unicode block. Currently there are 87 characters in this block.