Chronological Systems of Gujarat

Author(s): Bharati K Shelat
Publisher: Pranav Shelat

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The study of the known key-dates yields ample information about the different eras, systems of years and months, intercalation, cycle of Jovian years, the Siddhānta followed et cetera.
The key-dates are examined variously in relation to the different modes and systems of years, systems of months and the probable Siddhānta followed. The historical account of the different systems of the successive periods reveals a gradual and ultimate transition to the common use of the Brāhma siddhānta, the Vikrama Era, the expired Kārttikādi year and the Amānta month.
But it was preceded by the successive prevalence of several other eras such as the Ŝaka Era, the Kalacuri Era, the Gupta Era and the Valabbi Era, Gujarat also witnessed the early use of the Pūrnimānta month and the Caitrādi year, the systems that exist here no more now. During the Caulukya Period it also adopted the simultaneous use of the Simha Era and the Hijri Era in limited spheres. It was during this period (942–1304 A. C.) that the Vikrama Era came into common use in this region; and it has happened to be the regional era in Gujarat ever since that period
In this study I have generally relied on dates given in the comtemporary records of the different periods, published in works, journals and collections, The sources of information are indicated either along with the dates or in the foot-notes. Necessary particulars about the sources are enumerated in the Bibliography.
I studied this subject for my research work undertaken for the Doctorate in 1963. I prepared my thesis under the guidance of Dr. Hariprasad G. Shastri at B. J. Institute of Learning and Research, Ahmedabad. I received U. G. C. scholarship for two years during the period of my research. I got the Doctorate from Gujarat University in 1969. The research work prepared at that time incorporated data published upto about 1965. A number of dates have come to light subsequently through the inscriptions and the catalogues of MSS published thereafter.
An investigation into the key-dates among them and its bearing on the results noted in the preceeding chapters have been supplemented in the form of Addenda in Appendix I.
In this publication I have omitted some technical details, such as a chronological account of the different theories suggested for