Indian Palaeography c14.s3.1

c14.s3.1

Allied to the Mathura style is the writing observed in the Kushāṇa inscriptions at Sanchi. Only three definite inscriptions have so far been noted, all engraved on images. No. 52¹ refers to the year 28 during the reign of Vāsishka and no. 53 to the year 22 and King Vaskushāṇa. The evidence suggests that the main structural history of the Sanchi monuments was over before the coming of the Kushāṇas. The letters show the line head-mark. The vowel signs adopt the Mathura style. The most remarkable is the medial *u* in *ku*, which is excessively bent. *Chha* maintains the older oval form, but *da* has a rounded back with its mouth opening to the right. The form of *ṇa* is of the italic [Figure:]-type. *Bha* is of the angular variety and the subscript *ya* is hooked.