Indian Palaeography c15.s2.16.1

c15.s2.16.1

(iii) *The development of new forms.* In the initial vowels there appear altogether new forms of *i* and *e*. The initial *i* has two dots at the top and a third lower one with a curved tail, but very occasionally has two dots below with a top line. The first form becomes henceforward the standard type in this region. The initial *e* has the base of the triangle at the top and the head below, and its left arm slightly curves to meet the point. This form leads on to the modern Nāgarī *e*. Development is also seen in the form of *a*, where the lower hook at the left limb projects its two arms beyond the vertical line. The lower curve of the initial *u* is further prolonged. But in the Amauna inscription the old form of *a*, seen in the Allahabad inscription, persists. Of the consonants, *kha*, *ga*, and *śa* have flat tops, though in the Amauna inscription rounded tops are retained. *Gha* undergoes a fundamental change by the division of its base into two halves—the straight right half meeting the upright at an acute angle and the left half curving with the left upright. This form paves the way for the North India *gha* of modern times. *Ja* bends its lower limb still farther. The upper arm of the half-circle *ṭa* is flattened. *Ḍa* also slightly bends the lower leg. *Ṇa* henceforward has the open-mouthed form of the Kauśāmbī style, but the loop seen in the Gupta period is no longer found.