Indian Palaeography c14.s5.6

c14.s5.6

In the last chapter it has been shown that Eastern Malwa came under the influence of the Mathura Kshatrapa style of writing. The last main stage of construction at Sanchi took place during this period. Subsequently it came under Kushāṇa domination,¹ during the rule of Kanishka and Vasishka. Their inscriptions have been dealt with earlier. After this period Eastern Malwa became a bone of contention between the Western Kshatrapas and the Śātavāhanas, with probably occasional independence. During this period a distinctive style of writing developed in this region, as evidenced by several *yūpa* inscriptions (Pl. IX. 6) dated between 282 and 335 of the Kṛita era (A.D. 225–78) and a Śaka inscription from Kanakhera, not far from Sanchi, also of this century. All these inscriptions show some influence from the Deccan, especially in the case of the last. The first definite break from the Kushāṇa style of writing, known from a few inscriptions at Sanchi, is seen in the marking of the medial vowels. The slanting strokes of *ā*, *e* and *o* do not occur, but all these strokes are horizontal. This change is due to southern influence, as is suggested by the medial vowel *o* applied to *ma* in its middle—a tradition which originated from the Girnar version of the Aśokan edicts and is maintained in the Nanaghat inscriptions and later Sātavāhana records. The Śaka inscription further introduces the round-backed *ḍa* (as seen in the conjunct *ṇḍa*), the looped *na*, and the looped *ṇa*, all from the Deccan. But there are other features peculiar to this region. The head-formation of the verticals is noteworthy. It is a thick line, verging on block formation, sometimes appearing as triangular. The other important feature is the development of ornamental flourishes, a feature which also marks the Deccan records of the later half of the second century A.D. The forms which connect this style with other North Indian inscriptions are the prominence given to the triangular base in *kha*, the beaked type of *cha*, the curved appendage of *ta*, the looped *ya*, *śa* with its right arm elongated, and the hooked variety of the subscript *ya*. Thus Eastern Malwa at this time was the meeting ground of the Deccani and the North Indian styles of writing.