UPSC CSE Prelims
Pallavas Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Pallavas with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabharata'?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Mahendravarman I was a famous Pallava ruler known for his contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
He assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’, and ‘Gunabhara’ (Gunabharata), which reflected his creative personality and intellectual interests. He also wrote the Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasana.
Why other options are wrong:
| Option | Why not correct? |
|---|---|
| Simhavishnu | Pallava ruler, but did not use these titles. |
| Narasimhavarman I | Famous for defeating Pulakeshin II and building Mamallapuram, but not associated with these titles. |
| Simhavarman | Earlier Pallava ruler, not known by these epithets. |
📝 Short Notes: Mahendravarman I
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Pallava |
| Period | 7th Century CE |
| Capital | Kanchipuram |
| Famous Titles | Mattavilasa, Vichitrachitta, Gunabhara |
| Literary Work | Mattavilasa Prahasana |
| Contribution | Patron of rock-cut architecture and arts |
Key Fact:
Mahendravarman I initiated the rock-cut temple architecture tradition in South India, which was later expanded by the Pallavas.
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