Medieval India: Regional Cultures
Kerala: The Cheras and Malayalam
● The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the 9th century in the
south-western part of the peninsula, part of present-day Kerala.
● It is likely that Malayalam was spoken in this area.
● The rulers introduced the Malayalam language and script in their inscriptions. This
development is considered as one of the earliest examples of the use of a regional
language in official records in the subcontinent.
● At the same time, the Cheras also drew upon Sanskritic traditions. A 14th-century
text, the Lilatilakam, dealing with grammar and poetics, was composed in
Manipravalam – literally, “diamonds and corals” referring to the two languages,
Sanskrit, and the regional language.
, Orissa: The Jagannatha Cult
● In some areas, regional cultures grew around regional traditions eg: Jagannatha
cult of Puri (Odisha).
● As the temple gained in importance as a center of pilgrimage, its authority in
social and political matters also increased.
Kerala: The Cheras and Malayalam
● The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram was established in the 9th century in the
south-western part of the peninsula, part of present-day Kerala.
● It is likely that Malayalam was spoken in this area.
● The rulers introduced the Malayalam language and script in their inscriptions. This
development is considered as one of the earliest examples of the use of a regional
language in official records in the subcontinent.
● At the same time, the Cheras also drew upon Sanskritic traditions. A 14th-century
text, the Lilatilakam, dealing with grammar and poetics, was composed in
Manipravalam – literally, “diamonds and corals” referring to the two languages,
Sanskrit, and the regional language.
, Orissa: The Jagannatha Cult
● In some areas, regional cultures grew around regional traditions eg: Jagannatha
cult of Puri (Odisha).
● As the temple gained in importance as a center of pilgrimage, its authority in
social and political matters also increased.
