History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c82.867

v6.c82.867

The States now having the solar calendars for civil and partly religious purposes which start the year from Vaiśākha (April 14th) will have to begin the year 23 days earlier, but the first month will be Caitra. The effect of this will be that in Bengal, Orissa and Assam solar months start approximately seven days later than now, and in Tamil-nad solar months start approximately 23 days earlier than now, for the month called Vaiśākha (14th April to 14th May) in Bengal and Orissa is called *Chittirai* (or *caitra*) in Tamil-nad. Those who use the lunar calendar beginning with Caitra also for civil purposes would experience no great difficulty in adopting this unified calendar as they have at present the beginning of their year on various dates from 15th March to 13th April and the first month is Caitra.