Question

The first modern novel in Malayalam is _____________.
A. Chandralekha
B. Premlata
C. Indulekha
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint:The first modern novel in Malayalam language was Indulekha. It was written by O. Chandu Menon. It was published in 1889. It was a landmark in Malayalam literature due to its flourishing genre. This novel is about a beautiful and educated young lady of a Nair community.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss each option individually in detail to figure out the correct answer.
Chandralekha- Chandralekha is not the first novel in Malayalam language, with reference to the hint, it is Indulekha . Therefore , this is not the correct option.
Premlata- Premlata is not the first novel in Malayalam language, with reference to the above stated hint, it is Indulekha. Therefore , this is not the correct option.
Indulekha- Indulekha is the first novel in Malayalam language as stated in the hint. It was published in 1889 and written by O. Chandu Menon. Therefore , this is the correct option.
None of these- We have found our answer in the given options. Therefore, this option remains invalid.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note:This novel was written at a time when Nairs in Kerala emerged as upper class and flourished with high education during British rule. The response for this novel was huge which encouraged many other novelists. The earliest known Malayalam literary work is an epic poem “Ramacharitam” which was written in 1198 CE by Cheeraman.