Exp) Option a is the correct answer.

Option a is correct: Mahendravarman I (600 – 630 A.D.) was the Pallava ruler known for his patronage to arts and literature. 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, Chettakari (builder of temples) Chitrakarapuli, Vichitrachitta and Mattavilasa. The Mandagappattu 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.

• Mahendravarman was a great patron of arts, was himself a poet and musician. He wrote the Mattavilasa Prahasanna and initiated the construction of the famous cave temple at Mahabalipuram. He was a follower of Jainism in the early part of his career. He was converted to Saivism by the influence of the Saiva saint, Thirunavukkarasar alias Appar.
• His rock-cut temples are found in a number of places like Vallam, Mahendravadi, Dalavanur, Pallavaram, Mandagappattu and Tiruchirappalli.
• He is also regarded as an expert in music. The music inscription at Kudumianmalai is ascribed to him.

History – Tamil Nadu NCERT XI (Old), Chapter – 11, South Indian Kingdoms – I, Pg. 123- 124

Ancient and Medieval History, Poonam Dalal Dahiya, Chapter – 9, Early Medieval India: The Age of Regional Configurations (c. 600 – 1200 CE)

Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/61908/1/Unit-5.pdf