The Gurmukhi block contains characters used in the Gurmukhi script, which is primarily used for writing the Punjabi language, especially in the Indian state of Punjab. The script was standardized in the 16th century by Guru Angad, the second Sikh Guru. Gurmukhi is also an abugida, with each consonant carrying an inherent vowel sound that can be altered by diacritics. This block includes all the necessary characters for writing modern Punjabi, as well as several additional characters for transcribing Sanskrit and other languages. The script is also used in Sikh religious texts, most notably the Guru Granth Sahib..