Question

The inscriptions on copper plates which are one of the most important sources of the history of Medieval Kerala are written in which script.
A) Devanagari
B) Vattezhuthu
C) Arabi Malayalam
D) All of the Above

Answer 1

Hint: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, it is an important source of study of Kerala medieval history as they offer direct and indirect information about the medieval society.

Complete answer: Writing engraved on any object, rock, metallic plates used for inscribing details and facts are called Inscriptions. In many inscriptions rather than engraving a word, they are embossed by scooping out space around them. Inscriptions on copper plates are the most imperative sources of the history of medieval Kerala, as they were used as official documents in the period, these copper plate inscriptions were easy to maintain and handle.
These inscriptions were called “Thamsana” and were intended for private purposes whereas the stone engravings were for Public displays as it aimed to offer general information to the public. All these copper plate inscriptions had a royal seal and were in Vattezhuthu script
The script used in these inscriptions is Vattezhuthu or Kolezhuthu, an ancient script used to write in old Malayalam. The script transformed from the Brahmi script. It was the official language for trade-in Kerala along with Tamil, hence the Kolezhuthu script was used.
Therefore, the correct option is b.
Note: copper plate inscriptions in Kerala are very small in number, these inscriptions reflect that the temple is the centre of life and culture of Kerala. The liberal donations to the temple were recorded in these inscriptions for social recognition.