Indian Palaeography c13.s1.6

c13.s1.6

The remaining inscriptions from this region (i.e. from Bharhut, Bodhgaya, Hathigumpha, Pabhosa, and Ayodhya) will be taken together (Pl. VI *a*, *b*). The Bharhut inscriptions fall into two groups: Bharhut I representing those from the railings, and Bharhut II from the gateway inscription mentioning the Śuṅgas. All these inscriptions have certain common characteristics, the small difference being mainly due to different hands and to the varied knowledge of the use of the new technique. In all these examples the left-hand curves of *a* and *ā* meet the verticals separately (as in Fig. 4. I), though optionally in Bharhut I, Pabhosa, and Ayodhya they meet at the same point. In all these cases the vertical of *ka* is lengthened. *Kha* has below its vertical a dot, a circle, or a triangle. *Ga* is round-topped; only exceptionally an angular form is seen in Bharhut I and at Bodhgaya. *Gha* has assumed a perfect angular form. The semicircle of *cha* here makes a rough quadrangle. *Chha* shows two distinct circles on either side of the lower end of the vertical, though in Bharhut I we have optionally a simple oval. *Ja* in the majority of cases is three-armed, but it also has the double curved variety, especially in Bharhut I. *Ṭa* has both flattened and round forms. *Ḍa* has its top vertical shortened, while the lower is lengthened and makes a slight curve with the horizontal. Sometimes *ṇa* has its lower horizontal bent. *Ta* usually has the curved form, but the angular form is seen optionally in Bharhut I and at Bodhgaya. *Da* is developing the rounded form but it still opens to the left. The angular *da* is also occasionally met. *Dha* has the reverse form of the Roman capital letter ‘D’. The letters *pa*, *sa*, and *ha* have their lower curve changed into an angular form. *La* has a peculiar round cursive form, but at Pabhosa, Ayodhya, and Hathigumpha it shows a new angular form known elsewhere only from the Śaka Kshatrapa inscriptions of Mathura. *Bha* has a straight vertical with its additional hook slightly broadened. *Ma* has its lower circle turned into a rough triangle, though the circle is retained in Bharhut I and optionally at Bodhgaya and Hathigumpha. *Ya* has both the crescentic and the double-curved varieties, both sometimes giving place to angular forms. The vertical of *ra* is generally straight, but occasionally serpentine. *Va* has its lower circle changed into a definite triangle, which is occasionally very rough.