2014 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 84: History and Culture
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?
a22nd March (or 21st March)
b15th May (or 16th May)
c31st March (or 30th March)
d21st April (or 20th April)
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The national calendar based on the Saka era, adopted from 22 March 1957, begins the year with Chaitra 1 on 22 March in a normal year and on 21 March in a leap year, close to the spring equinox. So Chaitra 1 falls on 22 March (or 21 March in a leap year). Remember that the Saka year starts at the spring equinox.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right. Chaitra 1 is 22 March in a normal year and 21 March in a leap year.
- (b) Wrong. 15 May does not match Chaitra 1.
- (c) Wrong. 31 March does not match Chaitra 1.
- (d) Wrong. 21 April does not match Chaitra 1.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.