Various Calendar Eras of Ancient India

Many a times, UPSC asks a question on different calendars of ancient India. Here is basic information about the same:

Buddhist Era

This era based on Buddha’s birth and date. The dates of Buddha’s birth and date are uncertain but as per current theravada and Sri Lankan traditions, the Buddha Era begins from 544BC. Thus, current year 2016 is equal to 2016+544=2560.

Jain Era {Vira Nirvana Samvat}

Vira Nirvana Samvat began on 15 October 527 BC and commemorates the nirvana of Mahavira. The Jain year begins on Diwali day every year.  The year 2016 corresponds to Vira Nirvana Era 2543

Vikram Samvat

This is the most well-known era used currently in traditional India. It has many versions which should be noted down:

• In the north India, it begins with chaitra, and each month begins with the full moon (pūrnima).
• In Gujarat, the year begins with Kartika and month begins with the new moon (amāvāsyā)
• In some parts of Gujarat, the year begins with Amavasya of Ashadha.

The name of king associated with the Vikram Samvat is controversial. Most popular beliefs credit Chandragupta Vikramaditya of Ujjain (neither Chandragupta Maurya nor Chandragupta-II of Gupta dynasty) who started it in 56 AD.

Vallabhi Era

Vallabhi Era commemorates the event when Chandragupta-I of Gupta dynasty ascended to the throne in 319-320 AD. The Valabhi kings were feudatories of the Guptas and they might have used it as era of their overlords. Dr. Fleet has treated with this at length and has established that beginning of this era is Saka era 242, which means 242 +78 = 320 AD. The first year of the Gupta Era may be taken as February 26, 320 AD to March 13, 321 AD, of which the first date is coronation of Chandragupta.

Saka Era

Śaka or Śālivāhana was probably started by Kushana King Kanishka in 78AD but this has been disputed. This era has been adopted by the Government of India. Its elapsed year is tropical solar and it begins on the day following the vernal equinox. The first month is Chaitra, with 30 days in a normal year and 31 in a leap year. The next 5 months have 31 days and the rest have 30 days.