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 213

The Age of Maturity (11th-13th Century A.D.)
a number of inscriptions. We have selected Sarakho plates of Kalachuri Ratnadeva II (A.D. 1128), Māllar inscription of Kalachuri Jājalladeva II (A.D. 1167), Sihāvā inscription of Kakaira Karṇarāja (A.D. 1192), Bhopal plates of Udayavarmā (A.D. 1199) and sequentially illustrated them in Tables E6, E7, Eg, & E9.
Among initial vowels, a is found in different varieties. Table E6 shows a shape which is similar to that found in Goharva Plates (D5) of previous century. In Table E, it occurs in fully developed northern variety. Table Eg furnishes a peculiar type of it which is shaped as a double curve to the left of the vertical line, without a joining stroke. It becomes further more peculiar in a, where upper curve prolongs to the vertical. Perhaps this formation is due to cursive or rapid hand writing. Initial i of Kalachuri inscriptions represents a transitional phase of the letter as we find in the Middle Ganga Valley, while in Bhopal inscription it is of the old variety. Rare long ī occurs in Table E6, formed by adding an additional slanting stroke on the top of i (cf., Pls. 127 & 125). An archaic triangular form of e is met in Sarakho Plates (Table E6). Other initials, u, u and ai resemble their corresponding letters in modern Nāgarī.
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Among consonants, most of the letters have taken the shape of modern Nāgari counterparts. The development is lacking only in letters cha, ja, pha, ba and bha. In upper horizontal arm of cha a leftward protrusive stroke is yet to develop. Both right limbs of ja are still formed separately. The right appendage of pha is of hook shape. Bha retains its lower extensiion in left arm. A peculiar form for ba occurs in Table E6 which has a tail at the left of the square and prolongation of the right vertical.
As for development, the most remarkable letters are chha, na and dha. Chha in E, presents modern features by placing the loops one upon the other in which only the separation in upper tailed portion is needed. In Table Eg na shows a new innovation by curving its left arm as in the modern style. The analogous Nagari type of dha occurs in Table Eg and E9.
In ligatures, superscript ph of Table E, shows modern features while