Q14 · UPSC Prelims 2025 · Set A · History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)

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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: (a) Mahendravarman I

Explanation

  1. A

    Mahendravarman I

    Mahendravarman I. Mattavilasa, Vichitrachitta and Gunabhara are his Pallava titles (Mattavilasa-prahasana is the play).

  2. B

    Simhavishnu

    Simhavishnu. Earlier Pallava; not this title-set.

  3. C

    Narasimhavarman I

    Narasimhavarman I. Mamalla, not these three names.

  4. D

    Simhavarman

    Simhavarman. The name trap.

Summary. Official Set A key is (a) Mahendravarman I. The Pallava king of Kanchi is remembered as Mattavilasa (the farce of that name), Vichitrachitta and Gunabhara. Simhavishnu, Narasimhavarman I and Simhavarman are other Pallavas in the family tree, not the holders of this trio.