CAPF AC 2025 Q45: Ancient History – Post - Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties
- (a) markets
- (b) temples
- (c) titles
- (d) centres of colour making
Answer: (c) titles
Explanation
Vichitrachitta, Chitrakarapuli, Chaityakari
How to think: all three words are titles of the Pallava king Mahendravarman I (c. 600-630 CE).
He was a patron of art and a poet, and used many descriptive titles.
| Title | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vichitrachitta | 'Curious-minded' |
| Chitrakarapuli | 'Tiger among painters' |
| Chaityakari | 'Builder of temples' |
| Gunabhara, Mattavilasa | Other titles (also Mattavilasa Prahasana, his play) |
He began the rock-cut temple tradition in the Tamil country, at places such as Mandagapattu.
Answer: (c) titles.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. These words are not names of markets.
- (b) Incorrect. They are not names of temples, though one refers to temple building.
- (c) CORRECT. They are titles of the Pallava king Mahendravarman I.
- (d) Incorrect. They are not names of centres of colour making.
Key point
Mahendravarman I (Pallava, c. 600-630): titles Vichitrachitta, Chitrakarapuli, Chaityakari, Gunabhara, Mattavilasa; author of Mattavilasa Prahasana; started rock-cut temples; defeated by Pulakeshin II.
Remember
Mahendravarman I's titles: Vichitrachitta, Chitrakarapuli, Chaityakari.
Common mistakes
- Reading 'Chitra' and guessing a painting or colour centre.
- Taking 'Chaityakari' as a temple name.
- Not knowing that Pallava kings used many titles.
Exam tip
Educated guess: words ending in '-kari' and '-puli' describe a person ('maker', 'tiger'). That points to titles and removes places like markets and temples.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I, chapter on Architecture and sculpture of the Pallava period
- K. A. Nilakanta Sastri, A History of South India, chapter on the Pallavas (Mahendravarman I)