People are often identified or categorised based on the language they speak. For example, if someone speaks Tamil or Oriya, they are likely from the Tamil Nadu or Orissa regions, respectively. But language is just one aspect of regional identity; food, attire, art forms, music, and other cultural elements also play a crucial role in defining the distinctiveness of a region. However, it’s important to understand that these regional distinctions weren’t always as they are today. Over time, borders between regions have shifted and evolved, and cultures have intermixed, leading to shared traditions and practices across regions.

Cheras And The Evolution Of Malayalam

The Chera kingdom of Mahodayapuram, founded in the 9th century, was situated in the south–western part of present-day India, specifically in what we know today as Kerala. The inhabitants of this region likely spoke Malayalam, which is evident from the introduction of the Malayalam language and script in the Chera inscriptions. This adoption of a regional language for official documentation is noteworthy, as it’s among the earliest instances in the subcontinent.

Sanskritic Influence On The Chera Kingdom

Even though the Cheras adopted Malayalam for their inscriptions, they didn’t entirely isolate themselves from the broader cultural influences of the subcontinent. They heavily incorporated Sanskritic traditions. For instance, the temple theatre of Kerala, which finds its roots in the Chera period, adapted stories from the renowned Sanskrit epics. This amalgamation of cultures is evident in literature too. The earliest known literary works in Malayalam, from around the 12th century, show a significant influence from Sanskrit.

An intriguing blend of both languages is seen in the 14th-century text called Lilatilakam. This text, which delves into grammar and poetics, was written in Manipravalam. The term ‘Manipravalam’ translates to “diamonds and corals”, symbolising the two languages — Sanskrit (diamonds) and Malayalam (corals). This fusion illustrates how regional languages and Sanskrit influenced and enriched each other.