Ol Onal Unicode Script

Ol Onal is a script used primarily for writing the Santali language, which is spoken by the Santali ethnic group found primarily in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, Ol Onal serves as an integral cultural and linguistic touchstone for the Santali people. Murmu designed the script to provide a unified writing system that could effectively capture the phonetic nuances of the Santali language, which previously relied on varying adaptations of other scripts, such as Bengali and Devanagari. Ol Onal consists of 30 letters—21 consonants and 9 vowels—and features a variety of diacritical marks that help convey the distinct sounds of the Santali language.

The script has not only facilitated the preservation and dissemination of Santali literature, folklore, and spirituality but also strengthened cultural identity and pride among the Santali community. It enables written communication and education in their native language, contributing to cultural continuity and enrichment. In recent years, efforts have been made to standardize Ol Onal, including its inclusion in Unicode, which has broadened its accessibility in digital formats, allowing for its use across various digital platforms. As a result, the script has seen a revival in both academic research and cultural expressions, further anchoring its role in the preservation of Santali heritage.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the 'Ol Onal' unicode script category. Currently there are 44 characters in this category.