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 27

Introduction
The initial au is rarely employed in ancient inscriptions. To trace its development four specimens (Fig. 3) have been taken from the Turfan manuscript of Kalpanamaṇḍitikā (early 5th Cent. A.D.),37 the Bihar Kotrā Inscription of Naravarmā (A.D. 417),38 the Bower manuscript (early 6th Cent. A.D.)39 and the Mandasor Inscription of Yasodharmā (A.D. 530).40 Of these, the first form is formed by adding a horizontal stroke to the right of the Mauryan letter o. In the second stage, upper portion become cursive and additional stroke bends downwards. Further, the base of the letter is curved to left as in u and another curled stroke goes up from mid-angle. Finally, lower curve further prolongs in an elegant curly shape and the joined curve at the right also extends with a rightward bend.
Consonants
Simple Aksharas
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Gutturals
A simple cross is the form of Mauryan ka. The vertical takes a tapering shape and lengthens in pre-Kushāṇa period. In the time of the Kushāṇas, the top vertical develops into a triangle head and the horizontal bar is slightly curved. The head-mark and horizontal curve become more prominent in the post-Kushāṇa period.
The letter kha of the Mauryan Brahmi is shaped like a hook with a circle at the lower right limb. Lower circle develops into a large triangle and hook is shortened in pre-Kushāṇa and Kushāṇa period (Tables B & C). Occasionally, left limb of the Gupta kha shows a foot-mark, and the right limb an inner curve (Table D, a-b). In post-Gupta period, inner triangular shape with slanted base is the feature of the letter.
Asokan ga is generally an angle with its apex at the top. In Table B, the angle is curved and takes a shape like the horse-shoe. Round-topped ga became a standard form in the Kushāņa Brahmi in which optionally the left limb shows a foot-mark and right one is extended. From the time of the Guptas, upper portion is almost flat; and foot-mark of the left limb develops into a solid triangular shape (Table F).