Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/95

Rh consisting of a vertical straight line attached to the right end of the top-stroke, and a left limb consisting of a semi-circle which is attached to the left end of the top-stroke by means of another slanting straight line. ''Cf. Mukuṭāṅkita'' (L. 7).

(b) The second form consists of a top-stroke and a semi-circle attached to the left end of it by a slanting straight line. The only difference between this form and the first one is the absence of the right limb. ''Cf. Vikaṭa'' (L. 8).

9. Ṭha consists of a plain circle up to this time.

10. Ḍa is to be found in Uḍupa (L. 7) where the angular form is found to have given its place to the archaic cursive one.

11. In Ṇa we find that the base line is still intact but the left hook or curve has been transformed into a vertical straight line slightly curving towards the lower end.

12. Ta has not changed but we find two different final forms:—


 * (a) Vidhivat (L. 10-11).
 * (b) Kiñcit, (L. 34).

13. There is a perceptible narrowing of the upper part of Dha.

14. In Na we find the modern Bengali form. The final form has also been used in the inscription. ''Cf. Śrī-mān'' (L. 12).

15. In Pa we find a shortening in the breadth of the letter which makes its resemblance to the modern Nāgarī form complete.

16. In Pha the left limb consists of a curve which joins the right one at the lower extremity. The right limb consists of a vertical straight line and a hook or curve to the right attached to its upper end.