Indian Palaeography c12.s6.12

c12.s6.12

This conjunct is very ingeniously formed. As the letter *ra* makes a serpentine vertical, in conjunction with another letter it replaces the straight vertical of that letter. When this conjunct is drawn, the letter *ra* is formed first and the other consonant follows. *Ra* is fully drawn and the second letter is added in abbreviated form. Normally the first component of a conjunct is placed above the second, but this is an exception. It is for this reason that the same sign is read as *sra* and *rsa*, or *vra* amd *rva*. In the case of *dra* in Mysore inscriptions both the verticals are serpentine. On the evidence of this principle the reading of *dra* in Jaugad R.E. IV, line 3, by Hultzsch is not justified. Similarly, in the Bairat M.R.I., line 3, the reading *rve* is not correct. We do not find the serpentine *ra* in these cases. The idea of *repha* had not yet developed. For the same reason the reading of *dhra* in Girnar R.E. I, line 12, and edict XIII, line 9, and Kalasi R.E. I, line 4, is mistaken. A knotty problem arises from the *bra*, read twice in Girnar R.E. IV, lines 2 and 6, simply because the left vertical of the rectangular *ba* has a slight notch in the middle. This notched vertical cannot be taken to be *ra*, firstly because it is exceptional (and actually doubtful in the second example), and secondly (which is fundamental) because it does not conform to the principle given above.