Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/84

54 9. Ña is to be found in ligatures only, cf. sarvvaajña (L. 1) where the reproduction is not very distinct.

10. Another important modification is to be found in ṭa, where instead of the semi-circle, we find the letter consists of a top-stroke, a vertical straight line attached to the right extremity, which forms the right limb, and a curve, attached to the left end of the top-stroke, by means of another curve.

11. Tha has changed from a circle into a semi-circle with a straight line attached to its both ends and slightly produced downwards, beyond it ; cf. kaṇṭhe (L. 23). This form is not to be found in the 9th and 10th century inscriptions.

12. In ṇa, we find that in all cases the older form is still prevalent. In no case we find the suppression of the base line, as we do in some cases of the Bodh-Gayā inscription.

13. In ta, we find the curve on the right hand having a distinct tendency to become a straight line.

14. In tha, we find a more archaic form, as neither the top-stroke nor the broadening of the upper part of the letter is perceptible.

15. In the case of da, we find further changes. The curve in the middle of the letter has been changed into a sharp acute angle and the slight curve at the bottom lengthened downwards.

16. In dha, we find no change, except the sharpening of the acute angle and the consequent shortening of the breadth.

17. Another archaic form is that of na, which in all cases, shows the early Gupta looped form instead of the modern one.

18. In pa, we find the acute angle has almost disappeared and the letter consists of a top-stroke, a