Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/135

Rh 'Nepalese hook' with a serif at the end, placed above the ancient round ta which is represented by the second lower curve on the left." But the form seems to have been developed independently from that used in the Khālimpur grant of Dharmmapāla.

(c) In the Torpondighi grant we find a transitional form, consisting of a curve joined to the top stroke by a second one on the left side, and another joined to the right side of the top stroke. ''Cf. Mahākṣapaṭalika'' (L. 27).

(d) The form used in the Bodh-Gayā inscription is peculiar and is formed from the western variety. ''Cf. bhaṭṭa'' (L. 7).

(e) The development is complete in the 15th century when we find the modern form kuṭumbika (L. 1) of fol. 66, of the Bengali manuscript of Bodhicaryāvātāra.

(12) Ṭha:—

(a) In the Kamauli grant the development is not clear as the letter is found in the ligature ṇṭha.

(b) The form in the Torpondighi grant is not clear for the same reason. ''Cf. anuṣṭhayine'' (L. 42).

(c) The archaic form of the Mauryya period is used in the Gadādhara temple inscription of Gayā. ''Cf. Gadābhṛṇ-mathe'' (L. 7).

(d) The modern form is to be found in the Cambridge Manuscripts in the ligature ṣṭha but the older form continued to be used till at least the 15th century as we find it in the Bengali manuscript of the ''Bodhicaryāvatāra. Cf. Ṭhakura'' (L. 2) of fol. 66.