Indian Palaeography c15.s6.t2.2

c15.s6.t2.2

(i) Pl. XIV. 2 is compiled from the Maitraka inscriptions, dated between (Gupta) years 183 and 210 (a.d. 502 and 529), and Pl. XIV. 3 is derived from their inscriptions dated between (Gupta) years 246 and 286 (a.d. 565 and 605). The medial vowels used in the Junagadh inscription continue in no. 2, but changes are also seen. The medial *ī* optionally uses the northern type of the right curve, and this type ultimately displaces the circle type in no. 3. The curved type of the southern medial *au* is seen here in *mau*, but with the verticals extended downwards. The medial *u* in *ku*, *chu*, *tu*, *bhu*, and *su* is curved downwards, and the medial *ū* in *dhū* shows an additional curved stroke to the left of the curved *u*—a type which is also seen in the southern inscriptions. In the initial vowels the change is seen in *i*, which is now of the roof type, with a notch in the middle of the roof. This roof in no. 3 has a double curve. The initial *ī* is of the common type with a dot on either side of a vertical. The base of *u* curves upwards, and *e* has a stem in no. 2, but in no. 3 it is of the foot type with its mouth optionally open. The curves at the vertical tips of *a*, *ka*, *ra* and *ña* (in the conjunct *jña*) are seen in both inscriptions. *Kha* in no. 2 has an optional form with its triangle at the outer side of the vertical. Both *ga* and *śa* have equal arms meeting in a rounded top, but in no. 3 a head-mark is seen over *ga*. The left arms of *gha*, *pa*, *pha*, *sha* and *ha* have bends, but these are less prominent in no. 3. *Cha* is of the broad type, but the pointed beak is seen optionally used in no. 2. *Chha* is of the double-looped type with its right loop smaller than the left. The two curves of *ja* are now quite distinct, the upper being smaller than the lower. *Jha* has the angular hook but no curved tip. The head-mark is given over *ṭa* and *ṭha*. *Ḍa* is round-backed, with an additional curve attached to its end. The forms of *pha* and *ḍha* are almost identical. Besides the looped types of *ṇa* and *na* we have also the open-mouthed type of *ṇa*. *Ta* shows a definite change in having an angular hook attached to the right vertical, as is later seen in proto-Nāgarī. *Tha* has either a spiral form with the mouth open or a rough oval with a tick within. *Da* is of the round-backed type, while *dha* is broad, with an optional head-mark. *Ba* in no. 3 has a deeply bent left arm. *Bha* is of the broad type, but its middle bar is either straight or slanted upwards with a notch in the middle, the whole approaching the shape of the angular *bha*. *Ma* has the bottom loop, but in no. 2 the loop is almost quadrangular and tilted to the left. *Ya* is of the tripartite form and occasionally has the inner loop or curl at the left arm. The hook and the left vertical of *la* are drawn together in a curve and the right vertical is either short or extends its curl downwards. *Va* is triangular, but its left arm shows a slight notch. *Sa* has a hook on the left, and *ha* either rounds its base or has a gradual bend. In the conjuncts *ya* is of the hooked type as seen in *dhyā*. The *upa-dhmānīya* shows a double loop on a base.