Development of Nagari Script

SR No.: 006800
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: A K Singh
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1991
Total Pages: 386
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 125

86
Development of Nāgarī Script
Left curve of va becomes rounded. Ha has developed a tail. Base of the letters like cha, pa, ma and sha are slanted.
The development of 10th century A.D. is illustrated in Table C16. taken from the Janjirā Plates of Aparajita (A.D. 993). The head-mark covers the whole letter. Initial a bears a triangular foot-mark while the Rāshtrakūta inscriptions of the same region, optionally, show only a stroke type of addition in the vertical line. The left limb of e is also straight instead of curved. The left limbs of kha, ga and sa still retain triangular loop. Gha shows a step further from the point of view to approach the Nāgarī form. Middle bar of ja becomes almost vertical and lower portion is curved in an artistic manner. The rare jha is also employed. Ta and na are of developed vertical form. Pha shows a distinct feature with an addition of a stroke to the lower portion of the loop. The base of the letters become parallel to the head-mark. Left portion of va shows an elegant rounded form in the place of curve, or triangle. Ha has only a short tail.
Ligatures are of the developing type in which superscript n is still without a dot and subscript chha is of oval variety. Dya looks modern in character. Superscript r is in modern curved form. The right vertical type of subscript is conjuncting with the right limb of initial letter h while in other type joins with the left limb. Medial signs are usual, as in that time. General Remarks
On the whole, the above palaeographical observation reveals that even the western inscriptions of 10th century A.D. retain ornamentation in twisting the letter and straight vertical is yet to be formed. Most of the head-marks do not entirely cover the letters. The use of the archaic as well as the advanced forms of letters would indicate that the alphabet employed in the inscriptions was in transition and under the influence of the local style.
Notes and References
1. Nāgarī Lipi kā Udbhava aur Vikās (Hindi), Delhi, 1978, p., 199.