Indian Epigraphy c15.t9.8

c15.t9.8

In the northern parts of Kerala or the Malayāḷam-speaking area, the beginning of the Kollam year is counted from the Kanyā-saṅkrānti, i. e. solar Āśvina 1, while, in the Tirunelveli and the adjoining regions, it is counted from the Siṃha-saṅkrānti, i.e. solar Bhādrapada 1. The months are named after the rāśis (e.g. Meṣa, etc.) in the North, but are given lunar names after the nakṣatras (e.g., Caitra, etc.) in the South. The year is solar and is generally regarded as current. The earliest epigraph dated in the era bears a date in the year 149.³