Question map
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 I Saka, 1879 corresponding to March 22, 1957 AD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
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 [t6]. Due to the multiplicity of regional calendars causing administrative confusion, the Calendar Reform Committee was established in 1952 under Dr. Meghnad Saha to recommend a uniform system [t3][t5]. Statement 2 is correct as the National Calendar, based on the Saka Era, was officially adopted on March 22, 1957 AD, which corresponded to Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka [t1][t2][t5]. The Saka era is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar [c3]. In this system, Chaitra is the first month, and a normal year consists of 365 days, with the new year beginning on March 22 (or March 21 in leap years) [c2][t6].
Sources
- [1] https://knowindia.india.gov.in/national-identity-elements/national-calendar.php
- [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 135
- [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 11: Keeping Time with the Skies > Fig. 11.9: Indian National Calendar > p. 182