Who were calligraphists? Why were they important during the nineteenth century?

Explanation:
This question has two parts

• The first part is a “who” question which in this context means that we have to write the definition: (1 mark)

There is one keyword in the definition of calligraphy: ‘beautiful writing.’ Your definition must have this keyword.

• The second part deals with their importance. In this context, their significance is directly related to the time period mentioned in the question and the work done by them. So calligraphists were vital because they could copy documents for the British officials. But how did we know that they worked for the British? Simple, during the nineteenth century, India was ruled by the British. The British would employ these calligraphers to copy plans, policies, memos, etc. so that these could later be retrieved for studies or debate. (1 mark)

Answer:
A calligraphist is a person who is specialised in the art of beautiful writing.

The calligraphist artists’ job was to copy important British official documents carefully. This was done so that these can be carefully preserved for future reference to study or debate.