Development of Nagari Script

Author(s): A K Singh
Publisher: Parimal Publication

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Development of Nāgarī Script
The letter gha of Table A is represented as a fish-hook with a vertical stroke in the middle of the curve. Further, the curves of the letter are
ed with flattened base and verticals are almost equalised (Tables B & C). In the Gupta period, middle stroke comes closer to the right vertical. From the time of the Aulikaras this letter undergoes a fundamental transformation in which the base of the right half slants, the left one curves, thus forming an acute-angle (Kutila).
The letter na is not met separately. In the ligatures, it is in a cursive (Fig. 2, D); or angular (Fig. 2, E) form.
Palatals
In Mauryan Brāhmi letter cha is formed by drawing a semi-circle to the bottom left of a vertical line. From the time of Mathurā-Saka Kshatrapas the vertical of the letter became gradually short and bears a triangular head-mark. The loop of the letter develops into crescentic shape; which further takes beaked shape in the post-Gupta period.
The Mauryan chha is represented by an oval appendage, bisected by a vertical line almost in the middle. Table B shows the fundamental change by which oval shape developed into a double-looped shape, the vertical reduced with thick top. Without any noticeable change this form continued in the Kuțila script.
Tables A and B show a form of ja, formed by two semi-circles placed one upon the other. However, the vertical form of the letter became common in later periods. Gradually, the lower arm of the letter is slanted from the time of the Kushānas; and occasionally, vertical line shows an inner bend from the time of the Guptas.
The letter jha is rarely met. In most of the specimens, from the time of Asoka, the letter is formed by adding an angular hook to the right of a vertical line in such a position that the mouth opens upward.
The letter ña is also rare, formed by adding a downwards open angular hook to the right in a vertical line. With some minor developments, such