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UPSC CSE 2025 · PYQ · Ancient India / Pallava Dynasty · hard

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

  1. A.Mahendravarman I✓ Correct
  2. B.Simhavishnu
  3. C.Narasimhavarman I
  4. D.Simhavarman

Explanation

Mahendravarman I (c. 600-630 CE), the Pallava ruler, assumed multiple titles including 'Mattavilasa' (one who delights in intoxication/sport), 'Vichitrachitta' (curious-minded), and 'Gunabhara' (bearer of virtues). He was a polymath who authored the Sanskrit play 'Mattavilasa Prahasana' (a satirical farce). He was also a patron of arts, music, and architecture, and is credited with pioneering rock-cut temple architecture in South India. He was initially a Jain who converted to Shaivism under the influence of saint Appar.
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