UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 10: History and Culture
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Eras) I. Vikrama era II. Saka era III. Gupta era IV. Kali era List II (Reckoned from) A) 3102 B.C. B) 320 A.D. C) 78 A.D. D) 58 B.C. E) 248 A.D.
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The Vikrama era dates from 58 BC, the Saka era from 78 AD, the Gupta era from 320 AD, when Chandragupta I came to power, and the Kali era from 3102 BC, the traditional start of the present age in Hindu reckoning. The Saka era is the basis of India's national calendar. Remember: Vikrama 58 BC, Saka 78 AD, Gupta 320 AD, Kali 3102 BC.
- I. Vikrama era is reckoned from 58 BC (D).
- II. Saka era is reckoned from 78 AD (C).
- III. Gupta era is reckoned from 320 AD (B).
- IV. Kali era is reckoned from 3102 BC (A).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Gives the Vikrama era 320 AD, which is the Gupta era, and the Saka era 58 BC, which is Vikrama.
- (b) Gives the Vikrama era 3102 BC, the Kali era's start, and the Kali era 58 BC.
- (c) Gets Vikrama and Gupta right but the Saka era is 78 AD, not 248 AD (the Kalachuri-Chedi era), and Kali is 3102 BC.
- (d) Right: all four eras matched correctly.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.