Vikramaditya, king of Ujjain, started Vikrama Samvat in 58 BC to commemorate his victory over?
VerifiedAnswer: Sakas
Explanation:
King Vikramaditya established the Vikrama Samvat calendar in 58 BC to celebrate his remarkable victory over the Sakas, a nomadic tribe that had been troubling his kingdom. This victory was so significant that it marked the beginning of a new era in Indian chronology.
The Sakas were Indo-Scythian invaders who had established their presence in various parts of India, particularly in the northwestern regions. These warrior tribes were known for their horseback fighting skills and had been creating disturbances in the peaceful territories of ancient India. They posed a constant threat to established kingdoms and trade routes.
Vikramaditya, whose name literally means "sun of valor," was renowned for his military prowess and just rule. His decisive victory over the Sakas not only protected his kingdom of Ujjain but also brought peace and security to the entire region. This triumph was considered so momentous that it deserved to be remembered for generations to come.
The Vikrama Samvat became one of the most important traditional calendars in India and is still widely used today, especially in North India and Nepal. It follows a lunar calendar system and is about 56-57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. For example, the year 2024 AD corresponds to approximately 2080-81 in Vikrama Samvat.
This calendar system holds great cultural and religious significance in Hindu traditions. Many festivals, religious ceremonies, and auspicious occasions are calculated according to the Vikrama Samvat. It demonstrates how a single military victory became the foundation for a timekeeping system that has endured for over two millennia, showing the lasting impact of Vikramaditya's triumph over the Sakas.
