One of the most common dating systems, particularly in northern India.
It is generally believed that the Vikram era takes its name from King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, who is supposed to have ruled over much of India.
The Vikram era date is fifty-six or fifty-seven years later
than that of the com mon era; the discrepancy stems from the differing first
days of the year in the two systems.
In the common era the year begins on January 1, but in the
Vikram era the year begins with the sun’s transition into Aries, considered in
India as occurring on April 14.
Hence, to convert a Vikram era date to a common era date,
one subtracts fifty-six years for dates between January 1 and April 14, and
fifty-seven years for dates between April 15 and December 31.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
