Shikasta Script Reader (Persian and Urdu Documents)

At a glance

• Rate agreed per projectPaid weekly in USD
• Per-page contractIndependent contractor · Expert
• RemoteWork from anywhere with a stable connection.
• Flexible, part-timeChoose your own hours.
• Ongoing, project-based Starts immediately · Rolling applications
• Persian · فارسیShikasta (Perso-Arabic)

Role overview

Read and transcribe Shikasta, the fast running hand of Persian and Urdu court, revenue and private correspondence.

Key responsibilities

• Transcribe letters, court papers and revenue documents written in Shikasta
• Expand abbreviations and record them following our conventions
• Mark uncertain readings and explain why
• Help write a reading guide for common Shikasta letter shapes

Ideal qualifications

• Confident reading of Shikasta or Shikasta-Nastaliq hands
• Strong Persian, with Urdu an advantage
• Knowledge of the formulae used in official documents of the period
• Accurate typing in Persian or Urdu script

Nice to have

• Archive or research work on Mughal, Afghan, Qajar or princely-state records
• Training in paleography or diplomatics

More about the opportunity

Shikasta drops dots, merges letters and runs words together. Very few living readers can handle it, and current AI systems fail almost completely on it, which makes verified transcriptions especially valuable.

Compensation and contract terms

• Paid per verified page, in USD. Your rate is set after a short paid test.
• Per-page contract. You are engaged as an independent contractor.
• Remote. Flexible, part-time, on your own schedule.
• Paid weekly in USD for approved work.
• Projects can be extended, shortened or ended early depending on project needs and quality.

Application process

1. ApplyCreate a free profile and upload your CV.
2. InterviewAbout 20 minutes. You need a laptop or desktop with a camera and microphone.
3. ID and credential checkWe verify your identity and the qualifications the role needs.
4. Matched to projectsOnce verified, you are invited to paid projects that fit your skills.

Free to apply. Vettedlance never charges candidates, and will never ask you to pay for training, tests or equipment.