Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/113

Rh (12) In Ja we find that the curve to the right, the disappearance of which make the development of the modern Bengali form, complete, still continues.

(13) Ña has the fully developed Bengali form and is to be found in ligatures only, Cf. Kiñ-ca (L. 3).

(14) Ṭa still consists of a top stroke, a right limb which is a short stump of a vertical straight line hanging from the right end of the top stroke, and a left limb, which is a semi-circular curve, the upper end of which is attached to the left end of the top stroke by a short slanting straight line; Cf. Paṭala (L. 3),

(15) In Ṭha we find the top stroke Cf. Pāṭha-kramād (L. 8).

(16) In Ḍha we find that the letter consists of a top stroke and a scroll below; prauḍha (L. 9).

(17) Ṇa has the proto-Bengali form, the only special feature being the top stroke Cf. Bhūṣaṇah (L. 5).

(18) In Ta we find a broadening of the stroke in the extremity of the curve, which has once been noticed in the Dinājpur pillar inscription.

(19) The upper loop or curve of Tha has not opened out as yet.

(20) The angle at the back of Da has become sharper.

(21) The upward projection of the vertical straight line continues without change, in Dha.

(22) Na shows the Bengali form in which the line joining the loop and the right vertical straight line is not horizontal but is slanting downwards.

(23) Pa has the Nāgarī form, the only exception being the presence of the acute angle.

(24) Pha has the Bengali form.

(25) Bha shows the formation of the wedge due to the closing in of the sides. The lower extremity of the letter now curves inward and not outwards.