Kamrupi script

Kamrupi script is the script used in ancient Kamarupa (North Bengal and Western Assam)¹ between the 5th and the 12th century, from which modern Bengali script evolved.² S. N. Sarma has observed that the script pertaining to the period from the 6th century to the twelfth century can be termed as the ancient Kamrupi script.²

Origin

Kamrupi consonants

The Kamrupi script originated from Gupta script, which in turn developed from Brahmi script. Sometimes, Kamrupi script origins are traced to Kutila script, which is not widely accepted.

Medieval 

Variations

A 11th century work in Kamrup

The medieval Kamrupi script had four variations, namely: 

(1) "Lakhri" used for general use in Kamrup, 

(2) "Bamonia" used in preparation of Sanskrit texts, used by Brahmins, 

(3) "Kaitheli" used by the Kayasthas and 

(4) "Gadgaya" used in eastern Assam (Gadgaon)

Sources

1. Kākatī, Satīśacandra (1991), Discovery of Assam, p.41 Kamrupi literature (with its own script) which was akin to Magadhan dialect in the seventh or eighth century, (slightly different from Sanskrit) is found to be prevailing in a widespread manner from this time.
2. Barpujari, H.K. (1976), Assam District Gazetteers: Goalpara district, Government of Assam, p. 478