Indian Palaeography c15.s9.t3.15.2

c15.s9.t3.15.2

In the Siroda plates *ka* has a short vertical with a cross-bar; *ga* optionally curves its left limb upwards; *gha* is tripartite, with no bending at the verticals; *cha* is of the foot type; *ja* has either three arms or two curves joined together, as in the Gurjara records; *ṇa* has its base bent, but *na* is looped; *ta* has its two arms meeting upwards in a curve; *tha* and *dha* have notches at their lower sides, while the first in the conjunct *sthā* has a circle within it; *da* is round-backed; *pa* has lost its base line; *ba* is almost rectangular; *bha* is angular but without the stem; *ma* has a peculiar form resembling the number 8; *ya* is tripartite; *ra* is vertical; *la* in one case is of the Chālukyan type, with its upper curl rounded, and in the other has a short right vertical; *va* is either circular or triangular; *sha* is angular, with a midline; *sa* has a hook on the left; and the base of *ha* is rounded. Conjuncts show cursive forms as in *ṇṇi* and *shpa*. The *upadhmānīya* is a rough oval with a short mid-line. These forms do not show a single resemblance to those of the Mayidavolu plates. On the other hand, there is some connexion with the Gurjara and Chālukyan characters. The writing may be regarded as a regional script of Goa, derived mainly from the Gurjara style with influence from that of the Chālukyas. However, it may be pointed out that it bears close resemblance to the sixth century style of writing in Ceylon¹ (Pl. XIX. 11).