Question 92 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Ancient History

Question

Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta', and 'Gunabhara'?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Mahendravarman I

Strategy: Focus on the combination of unique titles—'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta', and 'Gunabhara'—which are exclusively associated with one Pallava monarch. Recognizing these as hallmarks of Mahendravarman I, along with his cultural and architectural contributions, is essential to avoid confusion with other Pallava rulers who had different titles or achievements. This direct association enables confident selection without considering distractors.

Key Info: Mahendravarman I (Pallava dynasty, c. 600–630 CE) was a distinguished South Indian ruler and patron of arts, literature, and architecture. He assumed multiple honorifics: 'Mattavilasa' (enjoyer of the sport of intoxication) denotes his authorship of the Sanskrit satirical play 'Mattavilasa Prahasanam'; 'Vichitrachitta' (curious-minded or of wondrous intellect) is inscribed at Mandagappattu, celebrating his innovative construction of rock-cut temples without traditional building materials; 'Gunabhara' highlights his excellence in virtues and arts. Mahendravarman I pioneered rock-cut architecture at sites like Mahendravadi, Dalavanur, and Vallam and was associated with the Mandagappattu, Pallavaram, and Tiruchirappalli cave temples. He encouraged Sanskrit and Tamil literary activities, was skilled in music (expert in Parivathini Veena; Kudumiyanmalai inscription), and fostered a cultural renaissance in Pallava territories. Mahendravarman I's reign marked the transition from rock-cut to structural temples, influencing later Dravidian temple architecture. He was succeeded by Narasimhavarman I. Other Pallava rulers such as Simhavishnu or Simhavarman do not bear these specific epithets.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Simhavishnu

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Narasimhavarman I

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Simhavarman