Indian Palaeography c14.s5.3

c14.s5.3

Another poorly engraved inscription comes from Gunji (Pl. IX. 8) in the former Śakti State in Chhatisgarh, and is dated in the 5th year of a local ruler called Kumāravaradatta. There is no definite style in the writing, and the writer mixes different forms. He shows acquaintance with the line head-mark, but does not give it regularly. He does not even follow the rule of the equalization of the vertical. Forms such as *ka*, *ta*, *pa*, *bha*, *ma*, *ya*, *ra*, *la*, *sa* and *ha* recall those which were current in the last period. But there are other forms, such as the triangular *dha* with one arm curved, the triangular form of *va*, the optional use of the triangular base for *ma*, the triangular *kha*, and the double-looped *chha* (optional), that point to a connexion with Deccani forms of towards the end of the second century A.D. Only the cursive *da* shows some resemblance to this form in the inscriptions of Ushavadāta in Western Deccan; otherwise there seems to be no point in comparing this inscription with those of the time of Nahapāna. The inscription may be placed in the beginning of the third century A.D.