The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram arose in the south-western part of the Indian peninsula (present-day Kerala) during the medieval period. Their administration is noted for the significant development of regional culture and language, specifically the evolution of Malayalam.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the ninth century CE. It was located in the region that constitutes present-day Kerala.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Chera rulers introduced the Malayalam language and script in their inscriptions, not Telugu. Telugu was the predominant language in the Andhra region, whereas the Cheras were instrumental in the development of Malayalam as a distinct language from Tamil.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the use of Malayalam by the Cheras is one of the earliest examples of the use of a regional language in official records in the subcontinent, the Chera kingdom was located in South India, not North India.
Key Takeaway:
The Cheras of Mahodayapuram (9th century) are historically significant for introducing Malayalam in their inscriptions, marking one of the earliest instances of a regional language being used for official records in the Indian subcontinent.