On the Origin of the Indian Brahma Alphabet c5.117

c5.117

The *A* on No. 1 is according to Dr. Grierson laid on its side, and the *ṅa* on No. 16 is in the same position. If the sign 𑀨, which is here given according to a photographic quarter size reproduction of Dr. Grierson's photo-etching (Rep., Figure 3), is set up straight 𑀝, we obtain a form closely agreeing with those in the Mathurā inscriptions of the Kushana period.¹ There is besides one pillar shaft, at present erroneously fixed in the base with *ka*, which, as Dr. Grierson's facsimile (loc. cit.) shows, bears a mutilated *A*, laid on its side. Sir A. Cunningham does not mention the *ṅa* on No. 16, but instead gives a round-topped *ga* on No. 13, as well as *ja* on No. 19 and *ṭa* on No. 22 as visible at the time of his visit (1881). Dr. Grierson however states that these signs are not to be traced at present. He also declares it to be improbable that the *ja* was actually seen by Sir A. Cunningham "as the fractures [on the spot where the letter ought to stand] are evidently very old", and he conjectures (Rep., p. 5) that Sir A. Cunningham's round-topped *ga* is "merely a faulty impression" of the sign on No. 16.²