Santali Lipi Keyboard
Type in Ol Chiki script efficiently using our simplified layout.
How to use
To type directly with the computer keyboard:
- Type aa (or A) for ᱟ (ā)
- Use the capital to type the letters with a dot: T, D, N, R
- Type G or ng for ᱝ (ṅ) & J for ᱧ (ñ)
- Type M for ᱢ (ṃ)
- Type MM for ᱸ (nasalisation)
- Type ' for ᱽ
- Type = to add a diacritic
Santali Letter Mappings
What is Ol Chiki?
Ol Chiki (ᱚᱞ ᱪᱤᱠᱤ) is the official writing system for the Santali language, an Austroasiatic language spoken by the Santal people in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Unlike other Indic scripts which are abugidas, Ol Chiki is a true alphabet.
The shapes of the letters are not arbitrary; they are derived from common shapes found in nature and everyday life, making it easier for new learners to associate the sound with the symbol.
How to use this Keyboard
This virtual keyboard allows you to type Ol Chiki characters without installing any software. It follows a phonetic mapping to Latin characters to assist users familiar with English typing.
- Click on the keys to type the corresponding character.
- Observe the small Latin hint above each key to understand the mapping (e.g., 'a' for 'ᱚ').
- Use the Copy Text button to copy your text to the clipboard for use in social media or documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the Ol Chiki script?
The script was created in **1925** by **Pandit Raghunath Murmu** to accommodate the specific phonemes of the Santali language that other scripts could not represent correctly.
Is this keyboard free?
Yes, this online tool is completely free to use. You can type, copy, and save your text unlimited times.
Do I need a special font?
Most modern devices support Ol Chiki natively (Unicode). If you see squares instead of letters, try updating your browser or installing the "Noto Sans Ol Chiki" font.