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 211

The Age of Maturity (11th-13th Century A.D.)
111
Among ligatures, superscript gh is of developed variety, subscript chha retains oval shape and tha is of peculiar double-looped variety. Table D6 reveals an unusual peculiar shape of fra and superscribed s retains openmouthed feature.
In medial signs, only the cursive variety is employed for u, right limb of long ū prolongs in modern style. Ri in hri is attached to the outer curve while in eastern region joins with the tail. 12th Century
The further developments are shown in Tables E4 and Es; taken from Kamauli plate of Gahadavala Govindachandra (A.D. 1126) and Mahobā plates of Chandella Paramardideva (A.D. 1173). These inscriptions reveal developed Nāgari characters in which only the development is required in the letters, i, cha, chha, ja, dha and bha. Of these, the initial i shows the transitional form of the letter. Cha occurring in the Kamauli plate is of old beaked variety. Table E, represents a new innovation by flattening the upper left curve. Only the protrusive bar is needed to develop into the modern form. Chha is in archaic oval, or double-looped variety. The right limb of ja becomes almost a straight vertical but upper stroke is yet to coalesce with the lower one to make a single line. Dha shows primitive stage of development by adding an oblique stroke at the upper angle. The left limb of bha still shows an extension towards down instead of modern upward prolongation.
In ligatures, the modern form of superscript ñ is met with in Table Es and th also is of modern type. The medial signs are in Nāgarī form except e which optionally retains the left vertical form. 13th Century
Table F2 is taken from Ajayagadh inscription of Nāna (A.D. 1288). Nāna was the minister of the Chandella Bhojavarmā. In consequence, the inscription follows Chandella style of ornamental and bold writing. A further development is marked in initial i which has taken almost modern shape. Chu and ja are still to develop. Dha presents the developing process