Consider the following statements : 1. At the time of independence, the Government of India followed the calendar based on Saka era. 2. The National Calendar commenced on Chaitra 1 Saka, 1879 corresponding to March 22, 1957 A D. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

Statement 1 is incorrect because at the time of independence in 1947, the Government of India followed the Gregorian calendar based on the Christian Era [t2]. The need for a uniform system led to the formation of the Calendar Reform Committee in 1952 [c1]. Statement 2 is correct as the Indian National Calendar, based on the Saka Era, was officially adopted on March 22, 1957, which corresponded to Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka [t1][t4][t6]. This calendar is a solar calendar where Chaitra normally begins on March 22, or March 21 in leap years [c2][t3]. While the Saka Era itself dates back to 78 CE, its formal adoption as the 'National Calendar' for official purposes like the Gazette of India and All India Radio broadcasts only occurred in 1957 [c3][t4].

Sources

1. [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > Ever heard of ... > p. 183
2. [2] https://knowindia.india.gov.in/national-identity-elements/national-calendar.php
3. [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > Fig. 11.9: Indian National Calendar > p. 182
4. [4] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 135