Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, Vichitrachitta’ ‘Gunabhara’? [Ancient History]

The correct option is Mahendravarman I.

Mahendravarman I (reigned c. 600–630 CE) was a prominent Pallava king who ruled the southern parts of modern-day Andhra region and northern Tamil Nadu in ancient India. He was a great patron of art, architecture, and literature, and is particularly famous for introducing rock-cut cave temples in Southern India.

During his reign, it was customary for rulers to adopt titles that reflected their personality, artistic inclinations, or achievements. Mahendravarman I assumed several unique titles, which are detailed below:
1. Mattavilasa: This title translates to "Addicted to Pleasure" or "Drunken Revelry". He authored the famous Sanskrit satirical play called Mattavilasa Prahasana (The Farce of Drunken Sport), which humorously depicts the life of various unorthodox religious sects of the time, such as the Kapalikas and Buddhists.
2. Vichitrachitta: This title means "Curious-minded" or "Myriad-minded", highlighting his innovative and creative nature. It is famously recorded in his rock-cut cave temple inscription at Mandagapattu, where he boasts of constructing a temple without using brick, mortar, timber, or metal.
3. Gunabhara: This title means "Bearer of Virtues" or "Abounding in Virtues", reflecting his noble character and administrative qualities.

Since these titles are historically and epigraphically associated with Mahendravarman I, the other Pallava rulers listed—Simhavishnu (his father), Narasimhavarman I (his son, who took titles like 'Vatapi-konda' and 'Mahamalla'), and Simhavarman—are incorrect choices.