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Vikram Samvat

2022 APR 5

Preliminary   > Art and Culture   >   Miscellaneous   >   Miscellaneous

About Vikram Samvat:

  • Vikram Samvat or Bikram Sambat is the historical Hindu calendar
  • It is the official calendar of Nepal; and in India, it is used in several states.
  • It is similar in design to the Gregorian calendar and has been used by the Hindus and the Sikhs
  • The traditional Vikram Samvat calendar, as used in India, uses lunar months and solar sidereal years
  • The Vikram Samvat has 12 months with each month divided into two phases:
    • Shukla paksha (15 days) – begins with the new moon and ends with a full moon
    • Krishna paksha (15 days) – begins with a full moon and ends with the new moon

History:

  • A number of ancient and medieval inscriptions used the Vikram Samvat.
  • Although it was reportedly named after the legendary king Vikramaditya, Samvatsara in short ‘Samvat ’is a Sanskrit term for ‘year’.
  • Emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain started Vikram Samvat in 57 BC and it is believed that this calendar follows his victory over the Saka in 56 B.C.

PRACTICE QUESTION

With reference ‘Vikram Samvat’, consider the following statements:

1. It was founded by King Shalivanhana of Shatavahana dynasty.

2. It uses lunar months and solar sidereal years

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer