Question 65 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Culture

Question

Chaitra 1 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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 22nd March (or 21st March)

Strategy: Identify the Saka Era calendar reference and recall that Chaitra 1 aligns with March 22 in common years and March 21 in leap years. Eliminate options without these March dates. Confirm the answer by selecting the option that precisely matches this official correspondence.

Key Info: ### Overview
- The Saka Era is the basis for the Indian National Calendar, adopted in 1957.
- It is used for official purposes alongside the Gregorian calendar.

### Key Correspondence
- The first month, Chaitra, begins on March 22 in common years and March 21 in leap years.
- This alignment was established to create a standardized dating system.

### Characteristics and Usage
- The calendar is solar-based and began in 78 CE.
- It consists of 12 months, which are similar to but not identical to Gregorian months due to astronomical adjustments.
- It is published annually and used in official documents, government communications, and broadcasts.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 15th May (or 16th May)

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 21st March (or 30th March)

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 21st April (or 20th April)