Tribhuvana-chakravartin
Explanation
In early medieval India, particularly during the Chola period and the age of new kingdoms (7th to 12th centuries), political hierarchy was often established through the adoption of specific titles. Sovereign rulers adopted grand, high-sounding titles to assert their supremacy over subordinates and claim divine or imperial status.
Analysis of Options:
- Muvendavelan: Incorrect. This was a title given to rich landowners (velan) who served the "three crowned kings" (the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas). It was a marker of respect and administrative rank for landed elites, not a title for the sovereign king.
- Tribhuvana-chakravartin Tribhuvana-chakravartin: Correct. This title translates to "Lord of the Three Worlds." It was adopted by sovereign kings to demonstrate their high status, imperial power, and superiority over other rulers and subordinates.
- Maha-mandaleshvara Maha-mandaleshvara: Incorrect. This title means "The Great Lord of a Circle or Region." It was typically used by samantas (subordinates) who had gained power and wealth. While it indicates high status within the feudatory hierarchy, it was primarily a title for powerful subordinates or regional lords rather than the supreme sovereign.
- Araiyar: Incorrect. This was a title used for chiefs or local notables. Like Muvendavelan, it was often bestowed by kings upon influential landowners or administrators as a mark of honor, but it was not a royal title for the king himself.
Key Takeaway:
Sovereign kings adopted grand titles like Tribhuvana-chakravartin and Maharajadhiraja to project imperial authority, whereas titles like Muvendavelan, Araiyar, and Maha-mandaleshvara were associated with landed elites, chiefs, and feudatories respectively.