Indian Palaeography c17.s3.12

c17.s3.12

(ii) This is an intermediate group represented by the Han Chey and Phnom Prah Vihar inscriptions of Bhavavarman (Pl. XX. 10). It is distinguished by three features. The ornamental forms of the earlier group continue here side by side with a tendency towards simplification, seen optionally adopted in the forms of *ka* and *la*, both of which discard the superfluous curve. New forms are seen in *a*, which develops a left turn at the lower hook—a practice which recalls the fifth- to sixth-century forms from Malwa (Pl. XIII. 2–7). The form of *i* with a tail below a double curved roof also comes closer to the Malwa type. Another northern type is seen in the open-mouthed form of *ṇa*. The northern forms are also seen in the medial *i* and *ī*, which have extended curves on the left and right respectively. The medial *ū* in *gū* and *bhū* shows the new double curved form, though the Pallava form of the broad curved type is seen in *tu*. The medial *ṛi* in *kṛi* makes a broad curve to the right. The origin of these northern features is traceable in the records of the Gurjaras of Broach (Pl. XVI. 9, 10). The date of these inscriptions lies midway between group (i) above and group (iii) below, the latter being dated in the Śaka era corresponding to A.D. 624–67. Hence (ii) may be dated towards the close of the sixth century A.D.