Indian Palaeography c14.10

c14.10

(1) The first relates to the shaping of the head-mark (Fig. 8. I–III). In the inscriptions of the Mathura Kshatrapas the verticals by their tapering thickness received a new shape, with the head growing in prominence (Fig. 8. Ia). This feature continued for some time in the Kushāṇa inscriptions, but survived longer in the inscriptions of the Western Kshatrapas and the Śātavāhanas. Very soon it degenerated into a short head-mark, from which the verticals depend (Fig. 8. I*b*). It helped to keep the letters in line and was also useful in maintaining their equal breadth. This head-mark was referred to by earlier palaeographers as the ‘serif’. It is present in almost all the inscriptions of this period, especially in North India. But very soon it assumes newer shapes. The evolution proceeds on two different lines, as shown in Fig. 8. I, II. The simple