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

The correct answer is (a) Mahendravarman I.

Explanation

Mahendravarman I (c. 600–630 CE) was a prominent Pallava king known for his contributions to art, architecture, and literature. He assumed several titles, or birudas, which reflected his varied talents and personality:

Mattavilasa (meaning “addicted to pleasures” or “drunken revelry”): He famously authored the Sanskrit satirical play Mattavilasa Prahasana (The Farce of Drunken Revelry).
Vichitrachitta (meaning “curious-minded” or “inventive-minded”): This title is found in his Mandagapattu rock-cut temple inscription, where he boasts of creating a temple “without brick, timber, metal, or mortar,” highlighting his innovative approach to architecture.
Gunabhara (meaning “bearer of virtues”): This was another of his epithets, found in inscriptions, signifying his virtuous character.