Pallava Ruler Mahendravarman I Mattavilasa Vichitrachitta Gunabhara
Previous Year Questions: This question has been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 – Prelims – General Studies Paper I, held on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Question: 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
प्रश्न: प्राचीन भारत में इनमे से किस शासक ने ‘मत्तविलास’, ‘विचित्रचित्त’ और ‘गुणभरा’ उपाधियाँ धारण की थीं?
(a) महेंद्रवर्मन प्रथम
(b) सिंहविष्णु
(c) नरसिंहवर्मन प्रथम
(d) सिंहवर्मन
Topic: Ancient Indian History
Explanation:
All the four options are of of Pallava rulers.
Mahendravarman I, a distinguished monarch of the Pallava dynasty, reigned over parts of South India during the early 7th century CE. His rule marked a vibrant phase in the region’s cultural and artistic history, with notable advancements in architecture, literature, and religious expression.
Patron of Art and Architecture:
Mahendravarman I is celebrated not only as a powerful king but also as a visionary patron of the arts. Under his reign, the Pallava dynasty saw a significant flowering of Dravidian temple architecture and rock-cut cave temples, many of which laid the foundation for the architectural brilliance that later reached its zenith under his successors.
He is believed to have commissioned several rock-cut temples, including those at Mandagapattu, which is famous for an inscription declaring the temple was constructed without the use of bricks, wood, mortar, or metal—a pioneering moment in South Indian stone architecture.
Literary Genius and Multiple Titles
Mahendravarman I was not just a patron of learning—he was also a scholar, playwright, and thinker in his own right. He adopted several honorific titles that reflect his diverse talents and intellectual depth:
Mattavilasa – meaning “the delight of the intoxicated”, this title is associated with his authorship of the Sanskrit satirical drama “Mattavilasa Prahasana”, which critiques religious hypocrisy and social pretensions.
Vichitrachitta – meaning “the curious-minded” or “unique intellect”, highlighting his innovative thinking and interest in diverse philosophical ideas.
Gunabhara – meaning “one who is full of virtues”, emphasizing his moral character and royal qualities.
The Playwright King:
Among his literary contributions, “Mattavilasa Prahasana” stands out as an early example of Indian Sanskrit farcical drama. The play offers a humorous yet sharp commentary on the religious sects and social customs of the time, showcasing Mahendravarman’s keen observational skills and witty critique of society. His ability to blend humor with philosophical depth reveals a ruler who was both culturally refined and socially aware.
