Question

A kingdom based at Mahodayapuram was established by the 9th century CE. The rulers of the kingdom were known as ______.
A] Tamilakam
B] Perumals
C] Moovendars
D] Harappans

Answer 1

Hint: The capital of the Chera dynasty, from where they ruled the kingdom, was Mahodayapuram. During the later Chera period, it was also an important trade center. It is currently geographically situated in the southern part of Kerala and is known in the Thrissur district as Kodungallur. The city was later transferred under a subpart of the Cholas and continued till traditional royal families of Kerala took over the rule.

Complete step by step answer:
Mahodayapuram was the capital city of the southern kingdom under the Chera dynasty during the 9th century. The city of Munchi was the previous capital before Mahodayapuram. The city of Mahodhayapuram was built by Empire Lalithadithya as a place to present all the kingdom’s wealth. After the end of the Chera state, Mahodayapuram fell into the hands of the Kingdom of Perumpadappu and became a part of modern-day Kerala. Traditionally, the rulers of Perumpadappu are regarded as descendants of the Chera rulers in the maternal line and known as Perumal. The Chera/Perumal dynasty initialized systematic kingship in Kerala rather than the early historic system which included multiple clans. The region was rich with natural materials and spices. They also started trade with The Middle East which brought, more income to the land. Even though Perumals were related to the Chera dynasty, the Perumals had conflicts between the Cholas and the Pandiyas. these conflicts will later become one major attack and the Perumals were forced into submission. Mahodayapuram was later renamed Kodungallur and became one of the biggest port cities in ancient India.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: After the fall of Mahodayapuram Perumals which happened in 12th century AD, The North Kerala region including Bekal fort, which was the biggest forts built by The Perumals, came under the rule of Mushika or Kolathiri or Chirakkal Royal Family, a sub-royal family of the Cheras, Pandyas and Chola clans. The maritime importance of Bekal increased much under the Kolathiris and it became an important port town of Tulunadu and Malabar.
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