On the Origin of the Indian Brahma Alphabet c7.s1.19

c7.s1.19

No 10. The derivation of the Brāhma *ya* from the ancient Semitic *Yod* has been asserted by Professor Weber, who however could only compare the later round Phoenician form, which opens downwards.¹ The oldest Indian form is probably the notched one (Col. V, a stroke slants sharply to the left and the angle on the left is attached very close to the top, compare also the signs of the Siloah inscription, in Prof. Euting's Tabula Script. Aram. Col. 3. In setting the sign up straight, the Hindus took the upper stroke of the angle for the top of the down-stroke, and a cross-like figure was the natural result, which, on being made more regular, yielded the dagger-shape.