Page:The Origin of the Bengali Script.djvu/107

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THE EASTERN ALPHABET.
73

10. Tha has not changed. The upper loop has not become open as yet. Cf. Varuthini and Pramathane (L. 1).

11. In Dha we find an acute angle and an arc of a circle bounded by a straight line which is produced upwards beyond the point of its junction with the upper end of the curve. Cf. Vidyādharaiḥ (L. 1).

12. Na has the later form consisting of a top stroke, a right vertical line and a loop in the angle joined to the left side of the latter by a short horizontal line. Cf. Gauḍapatinā (L. 2–3).

13. Pa has the modern Nāgarī form. Cf. Prāsādo (L. 3).

14. Va shows no difference except the presence of the acute angle.

15. In Bha we find a change after a long time. The letter consists of a top stroke, a right vertical straight limb, and a long narrow wedge which is joined to the left side of the vertical line. This wedge seems to have been formed by the closing in of the sides supporting the obtuse and acute angles in the older form. Cf. Bhūbhūṣaṇaḥ (L. 3).

16. Ma shows the looped form in which the lower horizontal line is at right angles to the vertical. Cf. Niramāyi (L. 3).

17. Ya shows the diminution in the breadth of the lower part of the letter. Cf. Yasya (L. 2).

18. Ra shows a widening of the wedge. Cf. Durvvār-āri (L. 1).

19. La shows a slightly archaic form in which the line joining the curve to the right vertical is still horizontal and not slanting downwards.

20. There is no difference between Ba and Va.