Question

When did Sakabda commence?

1. 78 A.D.
2. 78 B.C.E.
3. 178 B.C.E.
4. 178 A.D.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 78 A.D.

The correct answer is 78 A.D.

• The Saka era is believed to have been founded by King Shalivahana of the Shatavahana dynasty.
• The Saka era began in the 78th year of the Common Era.
• The earliest evidence of an association between Shalivahana and the Saka era was substantiated by the 1222 CE Kannada work Udbhatakavya by Somaraja.
• The Saka Calendar is based on the lunisolar reckoning of time.
• The calendar consists of 365 days and 12 months like the normal Gregorian calendar.
• Chaitra is the first month of the year beginning on March 22 which is the day after the Spring Equinox.
• During leap years, the starting day of Chaitra corresponds with March 21.
• Although it is deemed as a national calendar, the Saka Calendar is seldom used outside of very formal Government of India documents.