Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/118

84 16. In Ya the only change needed to complete the development is the formation of an acute angle at the bottom.

17. In Pa the solid wedge at the lower extremity, becomes hollow, in fact a triangle, in later years.

18. In Va we find a semi-circular curve, which is attached to the vertical line. In subsequent years this again becomes a triangle.

19. The left limb of śa has become shortened in length. The only change needed is the formation of two loops at the end of the left limb and the suppression of one of the two curves in the upper part.

20. In Ṣa also we find the form almost completed. The only change needed is the formation of an acute angle at the bottom.

21. The final development of the form of Sa is to be found in the Deopārā praśasti.

22. We find the transitional form of Ha in this record. The subsequent changes are the formation of a knob instead of the curve to the left, in the upper part of the letter, and the addition of a top stroke.

In the twelfth century we come across a number of historical events. The Gaharwārs or Gāhaḍavālas made themselves secure at Kanauj. In the East, the power of the Pālas, declined gradually. Their dominions in Bengal were gradually acquired by the Senas, and in Bihār by the Gaharwārs. In this century we find the completion of the