Question

Who started the Saka Era and when?
A. Kadphises in 58 BC
B. Rudradaman-I in 78 AD
C. Vikramaditya in 58 BC
D. Kanishka in 78 AD

Answer 1

Hint: The origin of the Shaka era is said to have been founded by different rulers according to different sources. It is also known as the old Shaka era and the Saka era of 78 CE.

Complete answer: The Saka or Salivahana era is an important period. It has been used in many ancient Sanskrit and Indian inscriptions in Indonesia and Indo-China. It is believed that the Saka Era was founded by King Kanishka in 78 AD. The Sakas, also known as Shakas in the first century, invaded NorthWest India. Sakas were a group of Iranian Nomadic pastoral tribes.
Now we will look at other options:
-Kadphises, was a Kushan Prince during the first century CE and became the first Kushan emperor. He was the great grandfather of King Kanishka and considered to be the founder of the Kushan Empire. He ruled between the period of 30 CE 280 CE.
-Rudraman I was the greatest Saka ruler; he belonged to the western Kshtatrapa dynasty and was the grandson of Chastana. He ruled in Narmada valley and other parts of Gujarat and Malwa.
-Vikrama or Vikramaditya is the founder of the Vikrama Era. It is also known as Malwa era as Vikrama ruled over the Malava country.
Therefore, the correct answer is option-D.

Note: The Saka rule came under the Kushanas after their decline in North-West Indian Pakistan. Kanishka, who is regarded as the founder of the Saka era, had played an important role in the development of the silk road. Around 127 CE he changed the official language of administration in the Empire from Greek to Bactrian.