Indian Palaeography c12.s5.25

c12.s5.25

(xxiv) The letter *ma* has several varieties. The basic form is the bottom loop or circle with two additional strokes above. When the letter is drawn in a single action from the top stroke with one sweep, the result will be the *ma* of the Girnar R.E. (Fig. 5. III*a*). If in this action the line bends slightly at the beginning, the result will be something like Fig. 5. III*b*; if the line bends again at the end, we get another form (Fig. 5. III*c*)—a variety which is seen in many inscriptions. But the engraver has not followed the writer's principle. We can see him at Siddhapur (Pl. IV*b*) first drawing the circle and then supplying the upper strokes separately (Fig. 5. III*d*); in the Erragudi M.R.I. (Pl. IV*b*) the upper strokes are drawn straight at an incline.