Indian Epigraphy: A Guide to the Study of Inscriptions in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and the Other Indo-Aryan Languages c7.s2.t6.43

c7.s2.t6.43

The Siddhamātṛkā script is principally characterized by a strongly angular aspect, with a sharp angle (whence the term “acute-angled script”) at the lower right corner of each letter, reflecting the influence of pen-and-ink writing on the epigraphic script; by the extension of the head mark into wedgelike or triangular forms (whence it is sometimes referred to as “nail-headed”); and by a strong tendency toward calligraphic elaboration, especially in the treatment of the vowel diacritics and subscript consonants (see 2.5.3.1). Some of the vowel signs are highly developed; in particular, the curves of diacritic *i* and *ī* are extended downward to the point that they are equal to or even greater in height than the consonant character to which they are attached, prefiguring the development of vertical lines as vowel markers in Devanāgarī. The shapes of certain letters underwent major alterations, particularly in the later stages of the script wherein the bipartite *ya* (𑌯) and looped *ka* (क), which would become characteristic of Devanāgarī and other northern scripts, began to make their appearance.