The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram (established in the 9th century) is a significant period in the history of South India, marking the development of the Malayalam language and a distinct regional culture through the synthesis of local traditions and Sanskritic influences.Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the southwestern part of the Indian peninsula, which corresponds to the present-day state of Kerala. While the ancient Sangam Cheras had connections to the Kongu region, the medieval kingdom associated with the rise of Malayalam is specifically identified with the geography of Kerala, not Tamil Nadu.
Statement 2 is Correct: The temple theatre tradition of Kerala, such as Kutiyattam, traces its origins to this period. It explicitly borrowed stories and themes from the Sanskritic epics, reflecting the rulers' patronage of Sanskrit alongside the regional language.
Statement 3 is Correct: The first literary works in Malayalam are dated to about the 12th century. These early texts were heavily influenced by Sanskrit, a style often referred to as Manipravalam (literally "diamonds and corals," signifying the blend of Sanskrit and the regional language).
Key Takeaway: The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram is historically pivotal for the emergence of Malayalam as a distinct language and the cultural integration of Sanskritic traditions into regional art forms like temple theatre.