U+0D12 "ഒ" Malayalam Letter O Unicode Character

U+0D12 "ഒ" Malayalam Letter O is a vowel in the Malayalam script, representing the short open-mid back rounded vowel sound /o/. As an independent character, it is used at the beginning of syllables or words in the Malayalam language, which is primarily spoken in the Indian state of Kerala. This character is part of the Malayalam Unicode block and is derived from the ancient Brahmi script, serving as a fundamental element in the orthography for writing native vocabulary and loanwords alike. Its unique visual form consists of a loop and a curved stroke, distinguishing it from other vowel symbols in the writing system.