Applications of Paleography in Textual Criticism: Insights from Vākyapradīpikā Manuscripts

A bstract This study presents the paleographic analysis of the Āyurveda manuscript Vākyapradīpikā scripted in Malayāḷam as part of a critical edition. Emphasizing the distinctive features of the manuscript’s script, focusing on evolution between classical and modern Malayāḷam writing systems, and unique scribal conventions. Through systematic documentation of letter forms, that is, vowels, consonants, and conjunct formations. The study contributes to our understanding of the paleography of the manuscript while providing insights into the transmission of Āyurveda through regional scripts. The findings demonstrate how paleographic analysis serves as an essential methodological tool for the content analysis of a manuscript in vernacular script.