👑 Q. 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
✅ Correct Answer: Mahendravarman I
- Ruler: King Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE)
- Dynasty: Pallava Dynasty
- Capital: Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
- Famous Titles:
- Mattavilasa – Lover of mirth, humor, and satire
- Vichitrachitta – Curious-minded or unique thinker
- Gunabhara – One full of virtues
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🧠 About Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE) for UPSC CSE
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Pallava Dynasty |
| Region | South India – Capital at Kanchipuram |
| Father | Simhavishnu (founder of Pallava power in South India) |
| Successor | Narasimhavarman I (Mamallan) |
| Reign Period | c. 600–630 CE |
| Religion | Initially Jain → Later converted to Shaivism under Appar (Saiva Saint) |
| Major Contribution | Promoted rock-cut architecture, fine arts, music, literature |
🏛️ Cultural & Architectural Achievements of Mahendravarman I
| Contribution | Description |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Initiated rock-cut cave temples – early Dravidian style. |
| Mandagappattu Inscription | Earliest example of rock-cut architecture in South India — dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — constructed without bricks, timber, metal, or mortar. |
| Temples Built | Vallam, Mahendravadi, Dalavanur, Pallavaram, Mandagappattu, and Tiruchirappalli. |
| Art & Music | Expert in Veena (Parivathini); Kudumianmalai inscription mentions musical notation attributed to him. |
| Literary Work | Authored Mattavilasa Prahasanam – a Sanskrit satirical drama that humorously portrays rival sects (Kapalik and Buddhist monks). |
| Title ‘Chitrakarapuli’ | Reveals his skill in painting and visual arts. |
🪶 Significance of His Titles
| Title | Meaning | What It Reflects |
|---|---|---|
| Mattavilasa | Lover of laughter and satire | Reflects his authorship of Mattavilasa Prahasanam, a humorous play. |
| Vichitrachitta | Curious-minded or uniquely creative | His temple inscriptions and experiments in architecture justify this. |
| Gunabhara | One full of virtues | Denotes moral, artistic, and intellectual excellence. |
📚 Mandagappattu Inscription – Key Points
- Discovered in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.
- Declares a temple dedicated to Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
- Claims construction without the use of bricks, timber, metal, or mortar.
- Earliest evidence of rock-cut Dravidian architecture.
- Credits Vichitrachitta (Mahendravarman I) for initiating the Pallava architectural legacy later expanded by his son Narasimhavarman I (Mamallan) at Mahabalipuram.
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🎭 Literary Contribution: Mattavilasa Prahasanam
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Genre | Satirical drama (Prahasana) |
| Theme | Ridicules religious hypocrisy and drunken ascetics |
| Cultural Insight | Shows Pallava court’s openness to intellectual humor and freedom of thought |
🧱 Pallava Architectural Legacy Timeline
| Ruler | Architectural Phase | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Mahendravarman I | Early Rock-cut phase | Mandagappattu, Pallavaram caves |
| Narasimhavarman I (Mamallan) | Monolithic Rathas (Mahabalipuram) | Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance |
| Nandivarman II | Structural Temples | Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram |
📜 Comparison: Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I
| Feature | Mahendravarman I | Narasimhavarman I (Mamallan) |
|---|---|---|
| Reign | 600–630 CE | 630–668 CE |
| Architecture | Rock-cut caves | Structural temples |
| Art & Literature | Mattavilasa Prahasanam | Patronized Mahabalipuram monuments |
| Rival Chalukya King | Pulakesin II (lost) | Defeated Pulakesin II |
| Legacy | Cultural foundation | Architectural culmination |
⚔️ Conflict with Chalukyas
- Mahendravarman I faced invasions from Pulakesin II (Chalukya ruler).
- Lost parts of northern Tamil Nadu to the Chalukyas.
- His son Narasimhavarman I later avenged the defeat by destroying the Chalukyan capital Vatapi.
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🧩 Two Practice Questions for UPSC Prelims on Medieval History
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Mahendravarman I:
- He authored Mattavilasa Prahasanam in Sanskrit.
- The Mandagappattu inscription mentions him as Vichitrachitta.
- He constructed temples using bricks and mortar.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only ✅
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Q2. Which of the following statements correctly matches the ruler with their title?
| Ruler | Title |
|---|---|
| (1) Ashoka | Devanampriya |
| (2) Samudragupta | Kaviraja |
| (3) Mahendravarman I | Vichitrachitta |
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
❓ FAQs
Q1. What was the language of Mattavilasa Prahasanam?
It was written in Sanskrit, showcasing humor and religious satire.
Q2. What is the Mandagappattu inscription famous for?
It records the first rock-cut temple in South India built without bricks, timber, metal, or mortar.
Q3. Which saint influenced Mahendravarman I to become a Shaivite?
The Saiva Saint Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) converted him from Jainism to Shaivism.
Q4. What was Mahendravarman’s contribution to music?
The Kudumianmalai inscription credits him with musical compositions for the Veena (Parivathini).
Q5. Why is Mahendravarman I significant in Indian history?
He marks the cultural renaissance of the Pallava era—uniting art, architecture, literature, and religion.
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