Indian Epigraphy: A Guide to the Study of Inscriptions in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and the Other Indo-Aryan Languages c7.s2.t6.31

c7.s2.t6.31

The forms of the basic characters as well underwent significant modifications, such that for the first time in this period (especially in the latter half thereof) the script began to differ markedly in its overall appearance and ductus from the early forms of Brāhmī. Among the most important changes was the further development of the head mark, whose origins were first noticed in the preceding period. Now, the head mark becomes firmly entrenched as an intrinsic rather than incidental part of the letters, and is written as a distinct separate stroke. Moreover, we now begin to discern the different regional treatments of the head mark (DIP 79–81), which are to have such far-reaching consequences in later centuries (cf. 2.2.5.1).