Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/133

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THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALPHABET.
97

(b) We find the same form in the Torpondighi grant. Cf. Duṣkhacchid-ātyantikī (L. 4) and Catuḥsīm-āvacchinna (L. 35).[1]

(c) There is no change in the form to be found in the Cambridge Manuscripts.[2]

(d) The modern Bengali form is to be found in the Bengali manuscripts of the Bodhicaryāvatāra written in V.S. 1492 in the word Koccha-uccha (L. 1) of fol. 66.

8. Ja:—

(a) The form of Ja used in the Māndā inscription is transitional. Cf. rmmañjarī-piṁjarīsu (L. 3.)[3]

(b) The Kamauli grant shows the fully developed western variety form, with a wedge for its top stroke.[4]

(c) In the Torpondighi grant we find another transitional form in which the vertical has not as yet become perfectly straight. Cf. Mahārājādhirāja (L. 23) but the fully developed Bengali form is also to be found, Cf. Srīmaj-Jayaskandhāvārāt (L. 23).[5]

(d) We find the transitional form in the Bodh-Gayā inscription of Aśokacalla. Cf. Mahārāja (L. 3) and Rājānaṁ (L. 6).[6]

(e) The same form is to be found in the Gayā inscription of the Gadādhara temple. Cf. Kāja (L. 15).[7]

(f) The form used in the Cambridge Manuscripts shows the shortening of the right limb.[8]


  1. Epi. Ind., Vol. XII, p. 8, pl.
  2. Ibid, pl. VI, X, 21.
  3. Mem. A.S.B., Vol. V, p. 102, pl. XXX.
  4. Ibid, pl. V, XIX, 17.
  5. Epi. Ind., Vol. XII, p. 9.
  6. Ibid, p. 29.
  7. Mem. A.S.B., Vol. V, p. 109, pl, XXVIII.
  8. Indische Palæographie, Tafel VI, Vol. XI, 22.