[Solved] Kings as Authors: Mahendravarman to Krishnadevaraya

Which one of the following pairs of kings of Ancient and Medieval periods of Indian History and the works by them is correctly matched?

[UPSC CSE Pre. 1993]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

In Indian history, many kings were 'Rajarshis' or scholar-kings who authored influential works on politics, architecture, and religion.

Authentic Source Evidence

Mahendravarman I, the Pallava king, wrote the satirical play 'Mattavilasaprahasana'.

Analytical Breakdown

Option B is Correct: It is a 7th-century farce poking fun at the eccentricities of contemporary religious sects.

Mismatches: Krishnadevaraya wrote Amuktamalyada (Telugu). Somesvara III wrote Manasollasa (Encyclopedia). Bhoja of Dhar wrote Samaranganasutradhara (Architecture).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the theme of Krishnadevaraya's Amuktamalyada?"

It is a Telugu epic about the wedding of Lord Ranganayaka and the Alvar saint Andal.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Scholarship was a tool of 'Soft Power' for Indian monarchs, used to establish their intellectual and religious authority."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Pallava Dynasty 7

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