Question

The "Saka era" began in the year
1. 58 BC
2. 78 BC
3. 58 AD
4. 78 AD

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 78 AD

The correct answer is 78 AD.

• The "Saka Era" began in the year 78 AD.
• The Government of India adopted it as Indian National Calendar in 1957.
• It is believed that the Saka Era was founded by King Kanishka in 78 AD.
• The Saka calendar consists of 365 days and 12 months which is similar to the structure of the Gregorian Calendar.

• The Sakas, also known as Shakas in the first century, invaded NorthWest India. Sakas were a group of Iranian Nomadic pastoral tribes.
• Rudraman I was the greatest Saka ruler; he belonged to the western Kshtatrapa dynasty and was the grandson of Chastana. He ruled in Narmada valley and other parts of Gujarat and Malwa.
• Vikrama or Vikramaditya is the founder of the Vikrama Era. It is also known as the Malwa era as Vikrama ruled over the Malava country.