The Junagarh inscription goes on to tell us that during the reign of R

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?

150 CE
181 CE
130 CE
120 CE
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
The correct option is A.
The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is a significant historical record. It mentions the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, originally built during the time of Chandragupta Maurya and improved by Ashoka. The inscription specifically states that a terrible storm occurred in the year 72 of the Saka era, causing damage to the lake’s embankment, which Rudradaman subsequently repaired.

The Saka era is a historical calendar era. Its epoch (year 0 or year 1) is widely accepted to correspond to 78 CE.
To convert a year in the Saka era to a year in the Common Era (CE), you typically add 78 to the Saka year.

Given Saka era year = 72.
Time in CE = Saka year + 78
Time in CE = 72 + 78
Time in CE = 150 CE.

Therefore, the terrible storm mentioned in the Junagarh inscription occurred in 150 CE.

The Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I is located on the Girnar hill near Junagarh in Gujarat. It is notable for being one of the earliest and longest inscriptions in chaste Sanskrit. It provides valuable information about the history of the region under the Western Satrap ruler Rudradaman I, including details about the Sudarshana Lake’s construction and repairs, and his administration. Rudradaman I was a powerful ruler of the Western Satraps, a Saka dynasty that ruled parts of western and central India. The inscription also provides details about his military achievements and personal qualities.