The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of Rudradaman, in the year 72 of the Saka era, there occurred a terrible storm. What would be the time in CE of the occurrence of that terrible storm ?
- A.150 CE
- B.181 CE
- C.130 CE
- D.120 CE
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, 150 CE. The Saka era began in 78 CE, so year 72 of that era is 72 + 78 = 150 CE.
The Junagarh (Girnar) rock inscription of the Western Kshatrapa ruler Rudradaman I is the first long inscription in pure Sanskrit. It records that a violent storm and heavy rain burst the dam of the Sudarshana lake near Girnar in Saka year 72. The lake had been built under Chandragupta Maurya by his governor Pushyagupta, and channels were added under Ashoka. Rudradaman had it repaired through his minister Suvishakha, without forced labour or extra taxes, and the inscription praises his learning and victories. To convert a Saka year to the Common Era, add 78; to convert a Vikram Samvat year, subtract 57.
B is wrong: 181 CE would be Saka year 103.
C is wrong: 130 CE would be Saka year 52.
D is wrong: 120 CE would be Saka year 42.
Exam tip: Saka year + 78 = CE; Vikram Samvat - 57 = CE; Junagarh inscription = Rudradaman, first long Sanskrit inscription, Sudarshana lake.
Practice Questions
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