The Malayalam Unicode block is a segment of the Unicode Standard that encompasses characters used in the Malayalam script, which is predominantly employed for writing the Malayalam language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Mahé. This script is a member of the Brahmic family of scripts and is known for its rounded letter shapes and rich phonetic representation. The Unicode block for Malayalam was introduced to enable the digital representation and processing of texts written in Malayalam, facilitating its use in computer systems, websites, and digital communications. The block extends from U+0D00 to U+0D7F and includes a wide array of characters, such as vowels, consonants, virama, chillu characters, numerals, and various punctuation marks, which together allow for the comprehensive digital compilation of Malayalam words and sentences.
One of the remarkable features of the Malayalam Unicode block is its incorporation of traditional and modern orthographic forms, thus supporting both classical and contemporary Malayalam writing styles. This inclusivity ensures that historical texts, as well as modern literature and communication, can be accurately represented and processed in digital form. The introduction of chillu characters, which are special consonant forms used in specific linguistic contexts, exemplifies the intuitive design behind the block's architecture. By accommodating these unique characters and providing ligature support, the Unicode standard allows for the preservation of the nuances intrinsic to Malayalam typing. Consequently, the availability of the Malayalam Unicode block has significantly contributed to the promotion and preservation of Malayalam culture and language in the digital age, supporting efforts in education, content creation, and the global dissemination of regional literature.
View a range of fonts that support the Malayalam block.
Below you will find all the characters that are in the Malayalam unicode block. Currently there are 118 characters in this block.