On the Origin of the Indian Brahma Alphabet c8.57

c8.57

With respect to the origin of the mark of aspiration I can only agree with Dr. Taylor, who explains it as a cursive form of *ha*, *The Alphabet*, vol. II, p. 260, note 1. The manner, in which it was attached in each particular case, seems to have been regulated merely by considerations of convenience and the desire to produce easily distinguishable signs. The way in which the hook or curve of aspiration has been used in the Brāhma alphabet is analogous. There too, it is added very irregularly sometimes to the top, sometimes to the middle and more frequently to the foot of the letters, where properly it ought to stand.¹ If the Kharosthī characters never show it at the foot, the cause is no doubt the desire to keep the lower ends of the signs free from encumbrances, as has been noticed above p. 100.