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:
- 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. - 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. - 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.