With reference to ancient South India, the terms 'Vichitrachitta', 'Chitrakarapuli' and 'Chaityakari' refer to
- A.markets
- B.temples
- C.titles
- D.centres of colour making
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, titles. Vichitrachitta, Chitrakarapuli and Chaityakari were titles (birudas) of the Pallava king Mahendravarman I, who ruled in the early seventh century.
Mahendravarman I was a ruler of many talents, and each title reflects one. Vichitrachitta means 'curious-minded' or 'of varied thought'; Chitrakarapuli means 'tiger among painters', showing his love of painting; Chaityakari means 'builder of shrines', because he introduced rock-cut temples in the Tamil country, as at Mandagapattu, where his inscription says the shrine was made without brick, timber, metal or mortar. He also wrote the Sanskrit farce Mattavilasa Prahasana and bore titles like Mattavilasa and Gunabhara.
A is wrong: the terms are personal epithets of a king, not names of trading places.
B is wrong: Chaityakari refers to a builder of temples, but the three words are not names of temples.
D is wrong: Chitrakarapuli praises the king as a painter; none of the words names a place where colours were made.
Exam tip: Mahendravarman I: Vichitrachitta, Chitrakarapuli, Chaityakari, Mattavilasa; author of Mattavilasa Prahasana.
Practice Questions
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- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 4 only
- D.3 only
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Show answer
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Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan 2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- A.1 only
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- C.Both 1 and 2
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Show answer
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