UPSC Prelims 2025 · Question 24 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2025 question on Mahendravarman I Titles
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2025
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicHarappan Civilization (Indus Valley)
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeDirect
Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabhara'?
Show answer
Answer: A. Mahendravarman I
Verdict
Correct answer: Option (a) — Mahendravarman I.
Analysis
King Mahendravarman I was a Pallava king who ruled from 600 AD to 630 AD. He assumed many titles such as 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabhara'. He was a great builder of cave temples. The Mandagappattu inscription hails him as Vichitrachitta who constructed a temple for Brahma, Vishnu and Siva without the use of bricks, timber, metal and mortar. He built rock-cut temples at Vallam, Mahendravadi, Dalavanur, Pallavaram, Mandagappattu and Tiruchirappalli. He was also a great scholar in Sanskrit and wrote the satirical drama Mattavilasa Prahasanam.