UPSC Prelims 2025 Q14: Ancient History – Post - Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties
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
Answer: (a) Mahendravarman I
Explanation
Mahendravarman I (c. 600–630 CE) — Pallava king of Kanchipuram
| Title | Meaning | What it reflects |
|---|---|---|
| Mattavilasa | "One who delights in sport and mirth" | He wrote the Sanskrit farce Mattavilasa Prahasana |
| Vichitrachitta | "Curious or inventive mind" | He pioneered rock-cut cave temples (Mandagapattu inscription) |
| Gunabhara | "Bearer of virtues" | Royal virtue; also linked to his turn from Jainism to Shaivism under Appar |
The early Pallava line in the options:
| Ruler | Period | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Simhavishnu | c. 575–600 CE | Founder of the imperial Pallava line; father of Mahendravarman I |
| Mahendravarman I | c. 600–630 CE | Playwright king; cave temples; fought Pulakeshin II |
| Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) | c. 630–668 CE | Took Vatapi (title Vatapikonda); Mamallapuram monuments |
| Simhavarman | Earlier, 6th century | Pre-imperial Pallava ruler; father of Simhavishnu |
Answer: (a) Mahendravarman I.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Mahendravarman I used all three titles; the Mandagapattu inscription calls him Vichitrachitta.
- (b) Incorrect. Simhavishnu founded the imperial Pallava line, but these literary and artistic titles belong to his son.
- (c) Incorrect. Narasimhavarman I was known as Mamalla and Vatapikonda after defeating Pulakeshin II.
- (d) Incorrect. Simhavarman was an earlier, minor Pallava ruler with no such titles on record.
Key point
Mattavilasa, Vichitrachitta, Gunabhara = Mahendravarman I (Pallava), the playwright king who began rock-cut temples.
Remember
Mahendravarman I = Vichitrachitta, the playwright Pallava who began cave temples.
Common mistakes
- Picking Narasimhavarman I because he is the most famous Pallava; his titles are Mamalla and Vatapikonda.
- Not linking the title Mattavilasa to the play Mattavilasa Prahasana, which gives the answer away.
- Mixing the Pallava sequence: Simhavishnu → Mahendravarman I → Narasimhavarman I.
Exam tip
Title = play name. Mattavilasa Prahasana was written by Mahendravarman I, so the title points straight to him.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I (Kings, Farmers and Towns)
- R.S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past (Pallavas)
- Mandagapattu cave-temple inscription