Development of Nagari Script

Description

Nagart is the outcome of evolutionary process of Mauryan Brahmi script and any consideration on its independent origin is superfluous. From Mauryan to the middle of the sixth century A.D., only a few letters resemble counterparts in Nagart. While towards the end of the sixth century, with the emergence of the Kutila alphabet, the development in alphabet towards Nagari moves fast. Most of the letters, from the 7th century onwards undergo the process of development in forms of the letters with only the difference of full covering head-line and straight vertical. All characteristics of the Nagart appear first about the end of the 10th century and approaches mature Nagart form by the 13th century A.D. There are some variations in the Nagart script of different regions due to various factors, namely the writing material, the writing technique, different schools of writers and engravers and their individual interest and mannerisms, etc. However, script maintains a sort of unity during the developmental process.