Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/112

78 The alphabet used in the Krishna-Dwārikā temple inscription of the 15th year of Nayapāla, is the same as that of the Narasimha temple inscription of the time of the same king and the Akṣayavaṭa inscription of the fifth year of Vigrahapāla III. With some modifications, it is used in the Satīghāt (Śītalā temple) inscription at Gayā of the time of Yakṣapāla. Here we find that:—

(1) A has the Bengali form, but the short vertical straight line, joining the comma-shaped curve of the left limb, with the top stroke, is still present; Cf. ajāta and ananya (L. 5).

(2) In Ā the length is denoted by a second vertical straight line; Cf. ākulaṁ (L. 15).

(3) There is no change in i, Cf. iva (L. 1).

(4) In U the inward curvature of the vertical line has disappeared giving place to a vertical line slanting, towards the left, at the end of which is a curve which turns back and nearly reaches the level of the top-stroke.

(5) The Nāgarī form of E is prevalent in which the triangle has not opened out as yet. Cf. ete (L. 8).

(6) The acute angle is clear at the lower end of Ka.

(7) We find a top stroke in Kha. Throughout this record the Nāgarī form of kha is still prevalent.

(8) The upper part of Ga now shows a top stroke.

(9) The looped form of Gha is used in all cases; Cf. Ślāghā (L. 13).

(10) We find the same form of Ca as that used in the Dinājpur pillar inscription of the Śaka year 888.

(11) In Cha there is no other change save the downward projection of the vertical line Cf. cchavi-cchāyaiḥ (L. 7).