Gesture Keyboard (GKB) is a novel method of text input for syllabic scripts whose success and acceptance is critically dependent on the reliability of handwritten gesture recognition. In this paper, we describe the solution we have developed for the Devanagari Gesture Keyboard. A data driven approach is adopted for the recognition of basic shapes corresponding to components of gestures. Script specific rules are then employed to combine basic shapes into gestures. These rules are captured externally in an XML configuration file so that the system may be adapted for different scripts easily. Evaluation of the solution using gesture data collected from novice users shows a gesture recognition accuracy of 97% for supported writing styles. The paper concludes with next steps.