✅ Correct Answer: A. Mahendravarman I
Explanation:
Mahendravarman I was a noted Pallava king known for titles such as Mattavilasa, Vichitrachitta, and Gunabhara. He was a patron of the arts, a composer, and a temple builder. He authored the play Mattavilasa Prahasana and was responsible for rock-cut temples like the ones at Mahabalipuram.
During his reign, conflict between the Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas heightened and he was defeated by Pulekshin II at Pullalur (near Kanchi) who annexed the northern part of the Pallava kingdom.
He assumed a number of titles like Gunabhara, Satyasandha, Chattakari (builder of temples), Chitrakarapuli, Vichitrachitta and Mattavilasa.
The Mandagapattu inscription hails him as Vichitrachitta, who constructed a temple for Brahma, Vishnu and Siva without the use of bricks, timber, metal and mortar. His title, Chitrakarapuli, reveals his talents in painting.
His rock-cut temples are found in a number of places like Vallam, Mahendravadi, Dalavanur, Pallavaram, Mandagapattu and Tiruchirappalli.
He is also regarded as an expert in music. The music inscription at Kudumiyanmalai is ascribed to him.
