Indian Palaeography c15.s8.t2.2

c15.s8.t2.2

Pl. XVI. 11, 12 shows its evolution in the eighth century a.d. The influence of the stylus is clearly noticeable. The line head-marks, seen in the Chālukyan style, are also observable. The medial vowels *ā*, *e*, *o* and *ai* have all long verticals. The medial *i* is either of the circle type or has a broad curve on the left, while the medial *ī* has this curve on the right, but in *śrī* the Chālukyan style of a broad curve with a curled end is adopted. The medial *u* has the double vertical, and the medial *ṛi*, as in *kṛi* and *nṛi*, draws its curve from the top. The initial *a* gives prominence to the curve of the right vertical but the left limb first drops its hook, as in no. 11, and later, as in no. 12, is itself reduced to just a line. The roof of the initial *i* in no. 12 lowers a tail on the right side and joins with the right circular dot. The initial *u* prolongs its upper and lower arms, and a third arm is given between them to produce the form of the initial *ū*. *E* maintains the stem. *Ka* has a double vertical in the lower half and its upper vertical slants to the left. *Kha* has a loop at the end of the lower horizontal. *Ga* has its left arm curved in no. 11 but both arms are curved in no. 12. *Ḍa* and *da* are almost the same, and *ṭa* differs only by not having the upper vertical. Both *ṇa* and *na* have the angular hook on the left bottom of a vertical. *Ta* extends the curve of the Chālukyan form farther. *Tha* and *dha* are almost quadrangular. *Ya* has a loop in place of the left arm. *Ṛa* develops the optional form seen in the Chālukyan inscriptions and shows two contiguous circles with a mid-line running through them. *La* extends the upper curl and reduces the left limb. *Ḷa* also shortens the lower curved stroke almost to a point. *Ḷa* keeps the old form optionally, but another form with loops attached to the upper ends of a broad curve is also seen. *Va* has a loop attached to the right vertical, which is now slanting. *Śa* is of the horseshoe type.