Indian Palaeography c15.s8.t1.13

c15.s8.t1.13

(i) Pl. XVI. 4 is derived from the Chālukyan inscriptions of the sixth century A.D., and Pl. XVI. 5 from the inscriptions of Pulakeśin II, dated between (Śaka) years 535 and 556. The medial vowels adopt the later forms seen in the Kadamba inscriptions, except the long *ī*, which here has a curl attached to the end of a broad curve to the left—a form which appears to have been derived from the curled type of the medial *i* seen in the Maḷvalli inscription. This type is adopted by the Pallavas in their later inscriptions. We also find here the medial *ḷi*, the form of which is derived from the initial *ṛi*, as seen in the Kadamba inscriptions. The upper two arms of *ṛi* are dropped and only the lower portion—a flat top with a curve at either end—is used for this sign. No. 4 is closer to the Kadamba style in having notches at the horizontals, but the tendency in no. 5 is to discard the notches as far as possible. The typical Chālukyan tendencies are more noticeable in no. 5 than in no. 4. In no. 4 the right vertical in *a* optionally has a short curve, but in no. 5 only the extended curve is seen with the left hook shortened. The initial *i* is of the roof type in both, but in no. 5 the lower ends of the roof curve inwards. *U* is of the semi-circle type with the end of the upper arm slightly turned up. *E* is of the foot type. *Ka* has the usual curved vertical. *Kha* develops a loop at the end of the lower horizontal. Both *ga* and *śa* have their left arms curved inwards. *Gha* has its left arm bent in the middle. *Cha* is of the broad type. *Ja* has the three-armed form with the usual notches. Similar notches can be seen in the lower horizontals of *ṭa* and *da*. Both *ṇa* and *na* have angular hooks placed on the left bottom of a vertical. The curved type of the Chālukyan *ta* is generally seen. Both *tha* and *dha* are almost quadrangular, with their upper ends sometimes narrowed, and *tha* has either a dot, a short line, or a small circle inside. The left arms of *pa*, *pha*, *ba*, *sha* and *ha* are bent. In no. 5 *ba* has a break at this bend of its left arm. *Bha* is of the broad type. *Ma* has its lower loop slightly tilted to the left. *Ya* has a small loop in place of the left vertical. The lower end of *ra* is curved. *Ṛa* has a cross within a rough quadrangle. The curve of *la* is further extended but its left hook is maintained. *Ḷa* maintains the old form, and *ḷa* has a vertical line in the middle of a rough quadrangle. *Va* has a quadrangular loop attached to the right vertical. The *upadhmānīya* in no. 4 consists of a double loop on a base, while in no. 5 it is a cross within a rough quadrangle, there being no difference between the forms of *ṛa* and the *upadhmānīya*. No cursive forms are seen in the conjuncts.