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 209

The Age of Maturity (11th-13th Century A.D.)
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Nāgarī counterparts. All of these retain old shape. There is nothing noteworthy from the viewpoint of development. Only one point worthy of attention
straight formation of right vertical in ja. Other letters mark the evolution towards local scripts. In Table D3, the reminiscent hollow triangular shape appears in the left limb of the letters kha, ga and sa. The hollow-triangle shape is opened in Table D4. The breadth of cha is broader in Table D3. Ța retains archaic double curved shape with right tick. Na extends its right vertical upwards. The letter tha is marked by new innovation in which the upper loop is transformed into a hook and base becomes sloppy. The left arm of the letters pa, pha, ya and sha is bent in the middle. Pha attains Oriya counterpart. Lower extremity of bha extends towards the left instead of the right. The base of va is slanted to meet with the right vertical at the end.
Among ligatures, superscript n contains a small circle to the right. Superscribed ñ is of local type. In medial vowels local forms gain more currency. Of them, a new innovation is marked in u and ū. In the new form of u a rightward hook is drawn to the bottom of the letter; ū is formed by extending the lower limb and looks like medial ri.
12th Century
The further termination of Nāgari influence is marked by Bhuvane svara inscription of Svapneśvara, shown in Table Ez The alphabet of this inscription reveals a developmental process of the local script. In this, the most remarkable transformation is noticed in a initial. Tha retains old circular shape. This shape still continues in Oriyā. General Remarks
The above observations attest that the Nāgarī features were losing hold in Eastern India during 11th-12th centuries; and the local scripts, namely Bengālī, Assamesa, Oriyā, etc., were emerging from it.
Northern India
This vast region was divided into several local states during the period,