Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/100

68 6. In Ṭa we find that there is a short downward stroke from the right end of the top stroke which may be a relic of the longer stroke of the form used in the Khālimpur grant.

7. In Ṇa we find the proto-Bengali form consisting of two short curves joined on to the left side of a vertical straight line.

8. Ta has changed its form after a long time. The letter now consists of a top stroke and a vertical straight line at right angles to it and a curve attached to the left side of the latter. The form resembles the Nāgarī one to some extent.

9. In Tha the upper curve has become open showing the evolution of the Bengali form.

10. In Dha also the upper part of the letter has in many cases opened.

11. The Na has in the majority of cases, the archaic looped form but the loop seems to be drooping or bent downwards.

12. In Pa the upper part of the letter has narrowed.

13. Pha also shows the decrease in the breadth of the upper part of the letter.

14. Ma in all cases has the looped form.

15. In La we find the final suppression of the base line.

16. The Palatal Śa is in all cases of the looped form.

17. We find two forms of the lingual Ṣa:—

(a) The first is the older form in which the breadth of the letter is the same in the upper as well as in the lower parts. ''Cf. Samāyāt-āśeṣa''.

(b) The second is that in which the breadth of the upper part is considerably less than that of the lower. ''Cf. Samupagat-āśeṣa'' (L. 30).

The Bhāgalpur grant, being written in the current hand script, shows forms much later than the Epigraphs proper