Who were the rulers of the Kingdom based at Mahodayapuram established by the 9th century CE in Kerala?
a) Perumals
b) Cheras
c) Cheramans
d) All of the above

Hint:
> The rulers of the kingdom of Mahodayapuram were founded by the 9th century CE in Kerala. Kerala was part of the old Tamilakam, ruled by the Moovendars.
> The presence of these rulers appeared initially limited to the area between the present-day Quilon and Quiland, but later spread to the Chandragiri River in the north of Kerala and Nagercoil in the south.
> They are also identified as Surya Vamsa members.

Complete answer:
Rulers of the kingdom at Mahodayapuram: The rulers of the kingdom became known as the Peruvians. In those days, the present Kodungallur and the nearby areas of Kerala were known as Mahodayapuram. The Perumals were also known as Cheras and Cheraman. Some rulers also adopted the title of Kulasekhara. Much of the regions in present-day Kerala were under the control of the Peruvians.

Later Cheras (Kulasekharas) ruled from Mahodayapuram (now Kodungallur) on the banks of the Periyar River and fought various wars with their powerful neighbours, such as Cholas and Rashtrakutas. The rulers of Chera moved their capital from Vanchi to Mahodayapuram. Cher ruler Kulashekhara Varman (9th century) styles himself in his function as the "Lord of the Mahodayapuram."

Therefore, the correct answer is D

Note:
> The Peruvian empire was dissolved into several local forces in the 12th century.
> The Peruvian dynasty succeeded the Kulasekhar dynasty in South Kerala.
> The name Kodungallur was derived from the idea that Cheran Chenguttuvan brought the great stone from the Himalayas to make a rock idol to consecrate the goddess kanaki, "kodumkallu."