MRITYUKALP
ILLUSTRATED LETTERFORMS
Year
2025
Duration
1 week
Character-driven Devanagari letterforms rooted in banyan tree symbolism.
This project explores the creation of custom letterforms inspired by the banyan tree, with a particular focus on themes of horror. By connecting each letterform to specific metaphors, the project seeks to create a visual narrative rooted in the concepts of demonic forces, the inevitability of death, and overwhelming fear, all while leveraging the banyan tree's natural symbolism.
The banyan tree became the anchor—its form and mythology shaping Devanagari letters through structure, and emotion.
The project began with exploring
How typography could carry cultural symbolism beyond language?
The Seed
As the exploration evolved, the banyan tree became a structural and narrative guide. Its physical traits translating into Devanagari letterforms.
Across Hindu and Asian belief systems, the banyan tree is linked to immortality and the spirit realm, often seen as a dwelling for unseen forces—making it a natural foundation for a horror-driven narrative.
The Translation
The letters were arranged as characters within the narrative, unfolding as stages of possession and entrapment toward fear and final consequence.
What followed?
Based on their phonetic grouping and narrative potential, I chose these six letters from the Devnagari script.
Each corresponds to a specific word which has a meaning that defines its character and purpose in the narrative.
मृत्युमय
Mrityumay
भयानक
Bhayanak
बर्बर
Barbar
पिशाचिय
Pishaachiy
यामिक
Yamik
फंदेदार
Fandedar
प: पिशाचिय
Pishaachiy (Demonic or Fiendish)
फ : फंदेदार
Fandedar (Entrapment)
ब : बर्बर
Barbar (Brutal or Savage)
म : मृत्युमय
Mrityumay (Deadly or death like)
भ : भयानक
Bhayanak (Fearsome or Horrifying)य : यामिक
Yamik (Grim or associated with death)
"A बर्बर (brutal) force begins to awaken within the ancient tree, its twisted branches spreading a भयानक (terrifying) presence that fills the air with dread."
The sharp, jagged roots evoke a sense of violence, as the tree’s branches almost appear like weapons, poised to inflict pain.
बर्बर
Barbar
The sharp, claw-like shapes emerging suggest that fear is stretching and distorting reality, making it hard to grasp or escape.
भयानक
Bhayanak
"A पिशाचिय (demonic) presence dwells within the tree's ancient branches and
forms a फंदेदार (noose-like) grip around people, entrapping them in inescapable fate."
The twisting and jagged branches reflect the inescapable grip of a demon, trapping its victims, much like the pishach.
पिशाचिय Pishaachiy
An idea of entrapment, where the tree's branches coil around the letter, much like a noose tightening around its victim.
फंदेदार
Fandedar
"As the tree claims its final hold, मृत्यु (death) settles quietly beneath its roots, leaving behind a यामिक (otherworldly) shadow that lingers beyond the mortal realm."
The noose hanging from the branches is a captures the tragic and final act of life coming to an end.
मृत्युमय
Mrityumay
The rod-like form mirrors Yama’s staff as a symbol of authority over life and death while reinforcing inevitable judgment.
यामिक
Yamik
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