An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s4.34

v1.c25.s4.34

After Aśoka more and more people became interested slowly in this useful medium which was patronized by both indigenous and foreign rulers. Down to the end of the 1st century B.C. the writing tool or engraving was some rod-like instrument which gave equal breadth to all parts of a letter. But the tendency of equalizing the verticals was gaining popularity. In the last quarter of the 1st century B.C. the Śaka Kṣatrapas of Mathurā introduced the edged pen as a writing tool. This gave new face to the letters and a pleasant shape to its parts. This 'new pen' was mainly responsible for causing variation in the script in different parts of the country especially in the early centuries of the Christian era and for creating varieties in the subsequent periods.