NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

mcqeasy

With reference to the text 'Lilatilakam', which of the following statements is correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIt was composed in the 9th century
BIt was composed in Kerala
CIt deals with astronomy and mathematics
DIt was written exclusively in Sanskrit

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

It was composed in Kerala

Explanation

The development of regional cultures in medieval India was characterized by the evolution of vernacular languages and literature. Lilatilakam is a seminal treatise from the 14th century that marks a critical stage in the development of the Malayalam language and its literary tradition.

Option Analysis:

It was composed in the 9th century is Incorrect: The text was composed in the 14th century, not the 9th century. While the evolution of Malayalam began earlier (often traced to the 9th-century Chera period), Lilatilakam represents a later, more formalized stage of literary development.
It deals with astronomy and mathematics is Incorrect: Lilatilakam does not deal with astronomy or mathematics. It is a treatise on grammar and poetics, specifically defining the rules for the literary style prevalent at the time.
It was composed in Kerala is Correct: The text was composed in Kerala. It is a foundational work in the history of Malayalam literature, demonstrating the region's distinct linguistic identity separate from Tamil and Sanskrit.
It was written exclusively in Sanskrit is Incorrect: It was not written exclusively in Sanskrit. The text describes and utilizes the Manipravalam style. Manipravalam literally means "diamonds and corals," referring to the harmonious blend of Sanskrit and the regional language (Malayalam).

Key Takeaway:
Lilatilakam is a 14th-century treatise on grammar and poetics from Kerala, written in the Manipravalam style, which signifies the synthesis of Sanskrit and Malayalam.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: The Making of Regional Cultures

With reference to the development of regional cultures in early medieval India, consider the following statements regarding the Chera kingdom: 1. The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the ninth century in the south-western part of the peninsula. 2. The rulers of this kingdom used only Sanskrit in their official inscriptions. 3. The temple theatre of the region borrowed stories from the Sanskritic epics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the literary text Lilatilakam: 1. It is a twelfth-century text dealing with astronomy. 2. It was composed in the Manipravalam style, which literally refers to "diamonds and corals". 3. It represents the synthesis of Sanskrit and the regional language. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Jagannatha cult in Orissa, consider the following statements: 1. The deity Jagannatha was originally a local god who was later identified with Vishnu. 2. In the twelfth century, King Anangabhima III decided to erect a temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri. 3. King Anantavarman dedicated his kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the "deputy" of the god. 4. The Mughals and the Marathas attempted to gain control over the temple to make their rule acceptable to local people. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to the tradition of miniature painting in India, consider the following statements: 1. The earliest miniatures were painted on palm leaves or wood. 2. The Mughal emperors strictly prohibited the painting of historical accounts. 3. The decline of the Mughal Empire led to the complete disappearance of the miniature tradition in northern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following rulers is specifically credited with patronizing Kathak and elevating it to a major art form in the nineteenth century?

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The correct option is

It was composed in Kerala

Explanation

Option Analysis:

It was composed in the 9th century is Incorrect: The text was composed in the 14th century, not the 9th century. While the evolution of Malayalam began earlier (often traced to the 9th-century Chera period), Lilatilakam represents a later, more formalized stage of literary development.
It deals with astronomy and mathematics is Incorrect: Lilatilakam does not deal with astronomy or mathematics. It is a treatise on grammar and poetics, specifically defining the rules for the literary style prevalent at the time.
It was composed in Kerala is Correct: The text was composed in Kerala. It is a foundational work in the history of Malayalam literature, demonstrating the region's distinct linguistic identity separate from Tamil and Sanskrit.
It was written exclusively in Sanskrit is Incorrect: It was not written exclusively in Sanskrit. The text describes and utilizes the Manipravalam style. Manipravalam literally means "diamonds and corals," referring to the harmonious blend of Sanskrit and the regional language (Malayalam).

Key Takeaway:
Lilatilakam is a 14th-century treatise on grammar and poetics from Kerala, written in the Manipravalam style, which signifies the synthesis of Sanskrit and Malayalam.