Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/99

Rh 2. Ā also has a similar form—the length being denoted by a second vertical straight line placed to the right of the letter as in the Bādāl pillar inscription. The A and Ā of the alphabet used in this inscription is almost the same as those used in the modern Bengali alphabet, the only differentia being the short vertical straight stroke in both letters joining the comma-shaped curve with the top stroke.

3. In the case of initial I we find almost the same form as in the Bādāl pillar, i.e., the wedge at the top and two circles or dots below it. The wedge however is modified in form, having lost the upper side of the triangle. ''Cf. Iti''. (L. 47 and 50).

4. In the initial U we find a change after a long time. The letter now possesses a top stroke and the vertical straight line which had remained unaltered since the early Mauryya period now curves sharply to the left. ''Cf. Udīcīnāneka'' (L. 26).

II. Consonants:—

1. The triangle of Ka has become broader.

2. Kha shows the cursive Bengali form found for the first time in the Gayā inscription.

3. Gha has lost its acute angle, become shortened in breadth at the upper part and the left curve at the base placed on a higher level than the right one. We have a very close approach to the modern Bengali form in this instance.

4. Ca also shows a distinct narrowing at the upper part.

5. In Ja we find that in some cases the central horizontal bar of the earlier forms, which becomes almost a downward stroke in the Bādāl pillar inscription, transformed into two straight lines, forming an obtuse angle. In other cases this line becomes merely a curve.