Narayam

thumb|Thaliyola and narayam

Narayam or ezhuthani is a writing instrument (stylus) used since antiquity in South India, Sri Lanka and other proximate regions of Asia. It is a long piece of iron with a sharpened or pointed end and fabricated to ergonomically fit into the writer's fist. Although similar to the modern day pen in shape and use, instead of using a colored ink, it scribes on the surface (normally a pre-treated palm leaf), creating fine scratches in the form of letters and shapes.