Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the

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Q. Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’?

(a) Mahendravarman I
(b) Simhavishnu
(c) Narasimhavarman I
(d) Simhavarman

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Answer & Explanation:

✅Correct Answer: (a) Mahendravarman I

Explanation:

Mahendravarman I was a prominent ruler of the Pallava dynasty in South India who reigned during the early 7th century CE. He is known not only for his contributions as a king and administrator but also for his deep interest and active participation in art, literature, and architecture. His reign marks a significant phase in the cultural and religious transformation of South India.

Titles Explained:

  1. Mattavilasa:
    This title means “The Lover of Intoxicated Sport”. Mahendravarman I authored the Sanskrit play “Mattavilasa Prahasana”, a satirical drama that critiques the religious hypocrisies of the time, particularly targeting the Kapalikas and Buddhist monks. This title emphasizes his literary talent and philosophical insights.
  2. Vichitrachitta:
    This title means “The Curious-Minded” or “One with a Wondrous Mind”. It reflects Mahendravarman’s passion for arts, architecture, and innovation. He was a pioneer in rock-cut architecture and began the tradition of carving temples from rock, which reached its zenith under his son Narasimhavarman I.
  3. Gunabhara:
    This title denotes “the Repository of Virtues”, portraying him as an ideal ruler and a man of high moral character and scholarship.

Cultural Contributions:

  • Mahendravarman I patronized music, dance, and literature.
  • He was responsible for the construction of early rock-cut cave temples at Mandagapattu, Mahendravadi, and other places.
  • Though he started as a Jain, he later became a Shaivite, reflecting the religious dynamism of his era.

Conclusion:

Among the options, Mahendravarman I stands out as the ruler who assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’, and ‘Gunabhara’, demonstrating his multi-faceted genius as a king, writer, and patron of the arts.

✅ Hence, the correct answer is: (a) Mahendravarman I.

Q.14 UPSC Pre 2025 Question Paper GS-1 SET A

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