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 34

Development of Nāgarī Script
found in the Asokan Brāhmi. In later inscriptions it is represented by adding a sign of e to the medial o.
The medial ā is denoted in the Mauryan Brāhmi by a horizontal stroke attached to the right, either at the top or in the middle according to the shape of the letter. In Kushāna period it has taken the shape of a slanting stroke. The inscriptions of the Guptas and the Aulikaras generally demonstrate a straight horizontal line with its tip turned downwards. From this shape modern Nāgarī form of the selfsame medial is derived. In the ornate style of post-Gupta period, this sign is represented by a flourished top-stroke.
The Mauryan medial i is indicated by adding an angular or cursive form to the right of the top or in the middle of the consonant. Optionally in pre-Kushāna; but commonly in Kushāṇa inscriptions, the curve extends up to the left portion of the head-mark. In the Gupta period, curve is further extended with a downward turn reaching below the head-mark. In the ornate style of post-Gupta period it grows into more than one flourished curve.
Long T is denoted by doubling the sign of medial i in Mauryan and pre-Kushāna inscriptions. The Kushāna counterpart developed into full cursive form. However, Gupta specimens show a distinct feature in which right curve is smaller while left limb extends into a rightwards stroke. In
ornate style, it has taken a shape of two or more flourishes to the right.
In the inscriptions of Maurya and pre-Kushāņa period medial u is marked by a stroke at the bottom of the consonant, either in horizontal or downwards vertical form. From the time of the Kushānas curved form of this medial sign developed which subsequently prolonged and shows an almost modern Nāgarī feature adumbrated in post-Gupta inscriptions.
Medial ū is formed by adding an additional stroke to the shape of medial u in the Mauryan Brāhmi. In pre-Kushāna and Kushāņa inscriptions, left stroke is horizontally slanted to meet with the right vertical stroke. In the Gupta period, it developed either into a leftward curve with a rightward horizontal stroke or leftward curve opened downwards. In post