How are consonant clusters shown in Devanagari writing?

In the Devanagari script, which is used to write Hindi, consonant clusters are represented through the use of combined consonant symbols. These combinations are formed in several ways:

• Ligatures: Frequently, a conjunct form of the first consonant is joined with the full symbol of the subsequent consonant. For example, the cluster kta is often written as a ligature rather than as two separate, full-sized characters.1
• Positioning and Shape: The specific appearance and placement of these clusters depend on the structure of the individual consonants involved, such as whether they possess a central or right-hand stroke.1
• Special Symbols: Certain consonants have unique rules for cluster formation. For instance, the symbol for r changes its shape and positioning depending on whether it appears at the beginning or the end of a cluster.1
• Variant Forms: In addition to standard ligatures, there are sometimes special symbols or regional variants used to represent specific clusters.1

These methods allow the script to efficiently represent sequences of sounds that occur without intervening vowels.1