Indian Palaeography c14.27

c14.27

In this period for the first time we meet with the initial *ṛi*, expressed by a simple cross in the Andhau inscription of Rudradāman. The *m halanta* (vowelless) is met in the word *siddham* in some cases, and is expressed by placing a short *ma* at the lower righthand side of the compound *ddha* (Fig. 8. VII). The consonant *ṅa* is met with in combination with *ga* and *gha*, and is expressed by a sign similar to the Roman capital letter ‘E’ minus the middle bar (Fig. 8. VII). We also meet with the use of *jihvāmūlīya* (the *visarga* in combination with *ka*) and *upadhmānīya* (the *visarga* in combination with *pa*). The first is expressed by a double-axe sign placed vertically on the letter *ka*, and the second by a double loop placed horizontally over *pa* (Fig. 8. V). A new form of long *ī* with a dot on either side of a central vertical is also met with. This form is earlier seen in the cave inscriptions¹ of the south. The use of the letter *ḷa* in the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta is not due to influence from the south, as Fleet² supposed. It is well established in the inscriptions at Mathura and Sanchi. In the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta we also find the verses numbered.