Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara?
- Mahendravarman I
- Simhavishnu
- Narasimhavarman I
- Simhavarman
Answer: (a) Mahendravarman I
Mahendravarman I
Mahendravarman I (c. 600–630 CE) was an important ruler of the Pallava dynasty who ruled from Kanchipuram in South India. He was known not only as a powerful king but also as a patron of art, architecture, literature, and music.
Titles of Mahendravarman I
Mahendravarman I assumed several notable titles, including:
- Mattavilasa – associated with his literary work and cultural achievements.
- Vichitrachitta – meaning “curious-minded” or “one with a creative intellect,” highlighting his artistic temperament.
- Gunabhara – meaning “one who is full of virtues.”
These titles reflect his intellectual, artistic, and cultural accomplishments.
Contributions to Temple Architecture
Mahendravarman I is regarded as one of the earliest builders of rock-cut temples in South India.
- The Mandagapattu inscription praises him as Vichitrachitta who constructed a temple dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- The inscription proudly states that the temple was built without the use of bricks, timber, metal, or mortar, indicating the beginning of stone temple architecture in the Pallava period.
He commissioned several rock-cut cave temples at places such as:
- Mandagapattu
- Mahendravadi
- Vallam
- Dalavanur
- Pallavaram
- Tiruchirappalli
These monuments represent an early stage of Pallava architectural development that later culminated in the grand temples of the Pallava and Chola periods.
Literary and Cultural Contributions
Mahendravarman I was also a scholar and writer in Sanskrit.
- He composed the satirical Sanskrit drama “Mattavilasa Prahasana.”
- His title Chitrakarapuli indicates his skill in painting.
- He was also skilled in music and is associated with the music inscription at Kudumiyanmalai.