PANCHALI SERIF
Panchali Serif is a typeface inspired by The Palace of Illusions, a novel that retells an ancient Indian epic from the perspective of its female protagonist, Draupadi. In the original myth, Draupadi is a powerful, complex figure — and in this reimagined version, her inner world, thoughts, and emotions take center stage. Moved by the novel’s lyrical voice and emotional depth, I set out to translate that tone into letterforms — where typography becomes a vessel for storytelling. Panchali Serif balances the elegance of classical literature with expressive visual details. The typeface features high contrast between thick and thin strokes, delicately curved terminals, and wide proportions that give it a graceful yet commanding presence. The letterforms are inspired by the architecture of ancient palaces, hand-carved scripts, and quiet, introspective moments — all reflecting Draupadi’s resilience and layered identity. This typeface is designed to hold weight without being harsh. It’s meant not just to be read, but to feel like a story — one shaped by beauty, tension, strength, and the enduring voice of a woman who rewrites her place in history. Download the otf file here .