Mattavilas-prahasana: Masterpiece of Sanskrit Literature

Mattavilasa-prahasana, one of the masterpieces of Sanskrit literature, was written by Mahendravarman I of the Pallava dynasty of south India. Mahendravarman I (571– 630CE), also known as Mahendravikramavarman, was a contemporary of Harshavardhan of Kanauj. The Pallava ruler is credited with the introduction of the cave style of architecture. He is known for assuming the significant title of Vichitrachitta, “curious minded.” 

Mattavilasa (the Sport of the Drunkards) is a one-act play, full of rollicking satire. This little farce tells the story of a drunken Shaivite (follower of Shaivism, the cult of the god Shiva) ascetic, who accuses a Buddhist monk of stealing the skull which he uses as a begging bowl. This leads to the scene of acrimonious debate, full of satirical dialogue, among ascetics of different sects and both sexes. In the end it is found that the skull was stolen by a dog.