Indian Palaeography c15.s9.t3.25.1

c15.s9.t3.25.1

(*g*) In this group we have the last series of the stone inscriptions as developed from the writing seen in (*f*) (ii) above. One fundamental difference is that the square head-marks are no longer given, but the same type of angularity in the long curves is to be noticed. The vertical lines appear to have been ruled. Another great change is seen in the evolution of a large number of local forms. These inscriptions should be dated in the seventh to eighth century A.D. Pl. XVIII. 9 is taken from Panamalai inscription; Pl. XVIII. 10 is derived from Annamalai inscriptions of the time of Parāntaka, dated in the Kali year 3871 (A.D. 770); Pl. XVIII. 11 is taken from Trichinopoly cave inscriptions; and Pl. XVIII. 12 is taken from stone inscriptions at Mamallapuram. Some of these inscriptions show much influence of stylus writing. Though some extraneous forms, such as the open-mouthed *bha* and *sa* and the extended curl of *la*, are obviously taken from the Rāshtrakūṭa records, the importance of these inscriptions lies not in these forms, but in the development of the local varieties which directly pave the way for the later Tamil. The medial vowels are here fully developed. The medial *ā* is a long vertical on the right, but the medial *e* gently curves its vertical on the left and has its end slightly curled. In the case of *jā* the medial stroke is curved upwards. The medial *o* combines the strokes of *ā* and *e*.