[Solved] Chaitra and Saka Era National Calendar | UPSC Guide

Chaitra of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

[UPSC CSE Pre. 2014]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

India's National Calendar is based on the Saka Era, which was officially adopted in 1957. It aligns with the Gregorian calendar for official state purposes.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Calendar Reform Committee (1952) established that the year begins with Chaitra 1, which corresponds to the vernal equinox.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: In a normal year (365 days), 1 Chaitra falls on March 22nd.

Logic 2: In a leap year, 1 Chaitra falls on March 21st, and the month has 31 days instead of 30.

Logic 3: This calendar is used for the Gazette of India, AIR broadcasts, and official government communications.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"When was the Saka Era National Calendar officially adopted by India?"

It was adopted on 22 March 1957, corresponding to 1 Chaitra 1879 Saka Era.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The alignment with the Vernal Equinox ensures that the National Calendar maintains a scientific basis for seasonal tracking."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Saka Era 2 Vikram Samvat 4