Chakma Vowel Sign E

It replaces a consonant’s built-in vowel with e.

In 𑄇𑄬, Chakma consonant 𑄇 takes this sign to form one syllable. Chakma consonants usually carry a built-in long “a” vowel; 𑄬 replaces it with e.

Chakma is an abugida: each consonant letter comes with an inherent vowel unless another mark changes or removes it. The script developed through Mon-Burmese forms from Brahmi, an ancient South Asian writing tradition; its origins are placed in the 7th century. A 2026 account from the Chakma Autonomous District Council says village healers preserved the script by recording medicinal plants, herbs, and roots.

Why does 𑄬 appear before the consonant?

Stored text keeps it after the consonant; shaping displays it before.

Chakma text stores the base consonant first and the sign after it, following the spoken order. Shaping moves the sign in front of that consonant; with a consonant stack, it appears before the whole stack.

Chakma has traditional and simplified spellings, which handle vowel sequences differently, as well as regional character variants. Fonts may draw the sign differently, but its role as the dependent e vowel sign remains.