Indian Palaeography c15.s3.t1.13

c15.s3.t1.13

(v) Pl. XI. 5 is derived from the inscriptions of the Khaḍga dynasty, which ruled in East Bengal in the later half of the seventh century a.d. Here fully developed *kuṭila* forms are used. The initial vowel *a* maintains its eastern variety by extending the left curve upward. Other vowels are similar to those used in the Middle Ganges Valley. The medial *ā* now develops a short vertical line on the right of the letters. The medial *i* and *ī* are extended to the bottom of the letters. The medial *ū* has a new form. It consists of a stroke with a head and is added to the left of the vertical at the bottom of the letters. This form is also seen in the Middle Ganges Valley, and it survives in modern Bengali. But in the cases of *bhū* and *śū* an additional curve is added to the medial *u*. In the consonants some changes are noticeable. In *gha* the acute-angled side is extended slightly downwards, and the curved side is slightly tilted upwards. *Cha* has a sharp pointed beak. *Ja* adopts the curved form from the Middle Ganges Valley, in which the upper limb merges with the head-mark. *Ṭa* develops a tick at the end of the flat top. *Ṇa* has a sloping base and the two outer arms are longer. *Tha* and *dha* are of the bulged form, with the former developing an inner loop. *Da* bends its tick at the end of the lower curve. *Bha* and *sa* open their triangular mouths. The acute angle in *pa*, *ma*, *ya*, and *sha* is very sharp, and their right limbs are prominently bent. *Ra*, as adopted from the Middle Ganges Valley in the earlier period, develops a tail at the foot. The base of *la* curves upwards and its hook shows an inner curl. *Va* is of the rounded type. *Śa* shows a loop in place of the rounded top and a slanting bar to connect it with the right vertical. *Ha* curves its sides in an ornamental bend with its right hook falling in a beautiful curl.