TypingHindi InScript: the home row
InScript is the standard keyboard layout for Hindi and other Indian scripts. It is the Hindi layout that comes with Windows and other systems, and it works with any Unicode font such as Mangal or Nirmala UI. This lesson teaches its middle row.
You do not need a Hindi keyboard installed to practise here. The practice tool can turn your English keys into InScript letters. To type Hindi in other programs, see the guide on adding a Hindi keyboard.
How InScript is arranged
The layout follows the logic of the script, which makes it easier to learn than it looks.
- Left hand: vowels and matras. The key alone types the matra (the vowel sign). The same key with Shift types the full vowel.
- Right hand: consonants. The key alone types the plain consonant. With Shift it types the aspirated partner, for example क alone and ख with Shift.
Because a Hindi syllable is usually a consonant followed by a matra, the hands tend to alternate: right, left, right, left. That is comfortable and fast.
The home row
Fingers rest on the same keys as in English typing: left hand on A S D F, right hand on J K L ;. Feel the bumps on F and J.
little finger ring middle index (left hand: keys on the left half; right hand: the right half; thumbs: space bar)
Small grey letter: the key's English label. Large: what it types. Top corner: with Shift.
| English key | Types | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| A | ो | Left little |
| S | े | Left ring |
| D | ् (halant) | Left middle |
| F | ि | Left index |
| G | ु | Left index, reaching right |
| H | प | Right index, reaching left |
| J | र | Right index |
| K | क | Right middle |
| L | त | Right ring |
| ; | च | Right little |
| ' | ट | Right little, reaching right |
Type the consonant first, then the matra
Hindi is typed in the order it is spoken, not the order it looks on paper. For कि, type क and then ि, although the sign ि is drawn before the letter. The computer places it correctly. So कि is K then F, and के is K then S.
The halant joins letters
The key D types the halant ्, which removes the inherent "a" sound of a consonant and joins it to the next one. To type क्क, type क, then ्, then क. To type त्र, type त, ्, र. You will use this key constantly, which is why it sits under a strong finger on the home row.
Drill
Every word below uses only home row keys without Shift.
कर पर तक चर कट पट चट तट
रक पक टक रट टप कप चक तर
कि के को कु पि पे पो पु
रोक टोक चोर पेट रेत केक
चुप तुक पुर किट टिक चित
पत्र चक्र टक्कर पक्के कच्चे
रोक टोक कर चुप, पेट पर तकरार
चोर को रोक कर पत्र पर टिक
What to watch
- Keep the English home position. The only change is what the keys type.
- The matras ि and ु are both typed by the left index finger, as
FandGare in English. - If a matra appears alone with a dotted circle, you typed it before a consonant. Delete it and type the consonant first.
When these words come out without looking, go on to the top row, which adds ा, ी and many more consonants.
This is an independent practice site. It is not connected with any examination body, keyboard maker or software company. A typing speed measured here is for your own practice. It is not a certificate, and an examination may measure speed in its own way.