Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/74

46 stated that the Praśasti was composed by Sūkșma-śiva, a native of the Ganḍa country. (14) In the case of ḍha, we find the angle changed into a curve. Cf. the form in the inscriptions of Yaśodharman.

(15) In the case of a ṇa, we see that the base line has become slanting, thus forming an acute angle at the right lower extremity, and the left hook has become lengthened. In the case of the ligature ṇḍa, the lingual ṇa has acquired a distinctly modern form, consisting simply of two curves.

(16) The lower right limb of ta, which was already elongated in the Gupta period, becomes slightly curved and we find a wedge at the top of this letter.

(17) In the cese of tha occurs only once and its form, there is very indistinct e.g. vimathito (L. 7), but here we find the upper part of the letter distinctly broadened. In ligatures on the other hand, we find the older form still prevailing e.g. in stha in kumbhasthalī (L.1).

(18) In dha, the small arc has changed into a semi- circle.

(19) In the case of na, we find that the looped form of the Early Gupta period has changed into one somewhat resembling the modern Nāgarī one. The loop has become : -

(a) separated from the main body of the letter,

(b) smaller in size,

and (c) joined to the main body by a short horizontal stroke.