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 218

The Age of Maturity (11th-13th Century A.D.)
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formation of right vertical. Da presents transitional phase while in other regions it has attained its modern shape. Na shows cursive form of top as in the inscriptions of Eastern India. Dha is yet to develop its upper oblique. The right appendage of the letter pha shows curve with slanted stroke in northern style, while in Maharashtra and eastern region looped form is more common. The old open-mouthed form of bha remains in this region. In la left curve sharply bends inwards. As for sa double looped form is more common in which upper loop is circular and lower one triangular. Along with this the old cursive-topped and modern outer looped forms are also in use in this region.
In ligatures, subscript chha and tha are of oval type. D of dvam is in two armed shape. Superscript ś and s are met in old as well as in modern forms.
12th Century
To mark the development of the alphabet in Gujarat during 12th Cent. A.D. the Verāval inscription of Chālukya Bhīma II has been selected and illustrated in Table E12. This inscription represents further development in Nāgarī script from earlier century. Among initial vowels, a, u, e show fully developed features. The letter cha of chā is in modern shape. Chha represents transitional phase by placing both the loops of the letter one upor the other. The top of the letter na is flat. Dha with its upper oblique stroke represents the process of development. But the left notch of gha is still placed horizontally. Right limb of ja is yet to take the form of single vertical line. The form of bha is yet to develop. Other consonants resemble the letters in modern Nāgarī. Among medial vowels, the peculiarity may be noticed only in the formation of the left perpendicular type of e.
13th Century
Table F6 is taken form the Verāval inscription of Chalukya-Vaghel King Arjuna (A.D. 1264). This inscription records further development in the Nāgari script. Initial i has taken fully developed shape. The letters gha and dha have almost taken their modern shapes. But cha in this region