Indian Palaeography c17.s8.3

c17.s8.3

We may also note the older features in these letters. They are all characterized by line, or at best notched, head-marks, instead of the triangular head-marks of the seventh century. The initial *ā*, as seen in no. 3, has preserved the old form with its hook turned to the right. The initial *i* in no. 2 is indicated by two dots on the right and a vertical on the left, though in the correct old form the position of the dots and the vertical is reversed. *E* in no. 2 is triangular with its base downwards. *Ka* has its central bar curved. In no. 3 foot-marks can be seen in *ka*, *ta*, *bha* and *ra*. *Ga* in no. 2 has straight verticals. *Cha* is of the beaked type. *Ja* in no. 3 has three arms slightly bending downwards. In no. 1 the conjunct *jña* shows a developed form of the two-armed *ja*, and *ña* with only three teeth. *Ṇa* is of the open-mouthed type. Its late form is seen only in no. 3, in which the outer right hook is angular. The two lower verticals of *ta* fall from the head-mark. *Tha* is oval with a mid-line. *Da* is of the double-curved type. *Dha* in no. 2 is either a circle or a square, but in no. 3 has a developed *kuṭila* form. *Na* is of the looped type. *Bha* in nos. 1 and 3 has preserved the older angular form of the north. In nos. 1 and 2 the open-mouthed *ma* has a tail on the left. *Ya* is of the tripartite form with a loop at the third left vertical. *La* in no. 3 and *ha* in no. 2 are of the hooked type. *Va* is triangular with its base sloping towards the right. *Śa* has a mid-line, and *sa* in no. 3 has a triangular loop on the left. *Ṅa* in the conjunct *Ṅga* has a slight bend in its vertical. *Tha* in the conjunct *sthi* is laid flat. All these older features survive along with the new tendencies of the seventh century.