Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/106

72 in a wedge and from the right end of which hangs a straight line at right angle to it. ''Cf. Gīyate'' (L. 2).

2. In Gha the curves at the lower part have disappeared entirely and the letter consists of a top stroke, a vertical straight line hanging down from the right end of the former, and a loop in the angle formed by these lines, which is joined to the left end of the top stroke and the lower end of the vertical line by two slight curves. ''Cf. Ghaṭā'' (L. 3).

3. In Ca the acute angle is still present but the upper curve has become a horizontal straight line. The letter has also gained in breadth. ''Cf. Ca'' (L. 1).

4. In Ja we have almost the modern Bengali form. The letter consists of a wedge-shaped top stroke, a right limb, the upper part of which is horizontal and the lower part vertical and a left limb, which is as shaped curve. ''Cf. Kāmvojānvayajena'' (L. 2).

5. Ña is perceptible in the ligature ñja and there is no difference in it from the modern Bengali form.

6. In Ṭa the only remarkable feature is the remnant of the right vertical straight line of the form of the Khālimpur grant of Dharmmapāla. ''Cf. Ghaṭa'' (L. 3).

7. Ḍa is cursive in form and consists of a wedge at the top and a S shaped curve below which is slightly different from the modern Bengali form.

8. Ṇa is exclusively Proto-Bengali in form. It consists of a top stroke, a right vertical straight line and two semi-circular curves attached to one another, the right end of the right one of which touches the upper part of the left side of the vertical. ''Cf. Mārggaṇaguṇa'' (L. 2).

9. Ta shows the later form consisting of a top stroke, a vertical straight line and a long slight curve attached to the upper part of the left side of the vertical. ''Cf. Gīyate'' (L. 2).