UPSC Prelims 2014·GS1·art-and-culture·religion and literature

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?

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Last updated 8 Jul 2026, 4:39 pm IST
  1. A22nd March (or 21st March)Correct
  2. B15th May (or 16th May)
  3. C31st March (or 30th March)
  4. D21st April (or 20th April)

Explanation

India's National Calendar is based on the Saka Era. The first month of this calendar is Chaitra. According to the calendar, Chaitra 1 corresponds to:

March 22nd in a normal year (of 365 days) March 21st in a leap year This alignment is specifically chosen to coincide with the Vernal Equinox, which usually occurs around March 20th or 21st. The Indian government adopted this calendar as the official civil calendar in 1957. The question specifically mentions a normal year of 365 days, so March 22nd is the primary date, with March 21st being the alternative for a leap year.

art-and-culture: Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregoria
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