Important Eras of Ancient India (Points to Learn)

Vedanga Jyotisa: The earliest method of reckoning time in India was mentioned in Vedanga Jyotisa, astronomy ancillary to the Vedas. The extant of Vedanga Jyotisa is a short work in a verse of indefinite date, perhaps not later than 400 B.C. It recognizes a cycle (Yuga) of five year of 360 days each completed by an additional month of 30 days, making a total of 1830 days (solar), as against an actual 1826.

Buddha Era: The Buddha era dates from 544 B.C., according to Ceylonese reckoning. Modern criticism has shown that the Eeylonese epoch of the Buddha’s Nirvana is some 60 years too early, the true date being 483 B. C. Another view based on Chinese evidence puts it in 486 B. C.

Mahavira Era: The Mahavira era starts from 527 B.C. and used mostly in Jaina works.

Kaliyuga Era: It is a fictitious epoch confirmed by Aryabhatta (5th century AD.) and employed in astronomical textbooks with a starting date at Feb 18,3120 B.C. This date is sometimes taken to be that of the Mahabharat War. A Chola inscription from Graman (South Arcot) is dated Kali year 4,044 or Kaliday 14,77,037 corresponding to Saturday, January 14, A.D. 943. This era is still shown in current almanacs at least in south India.

Saptarsi Era: The Saptarsi (also called Laakika) era beings after the expiry of 25 Kali years, in 3,076 B.C. and it was in use in Kashmir and its neighborhood at the time of Alberuni (11th century AD.)

Vikram Era: The era starts in 58 B.C. and is said to have been founded by king Vikramaditya to commemorate his victory over Sakas in Ujjaini.

Saka Era -Months & Days

Saka Era: The most famous Kushana ruler Kanishka is credited to have started this era in A.D. 78. This era is used by the Government of India. It is the most popular era in south India, and is known there as Salivahana Sakabda.

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Vitamins-Functions, Types, Characteristics, Chemical Name, Uses and Deficiency Diseases

These essential nutrients are broken up into two groups based on the amount that is needed:
1. Macro nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water

2. Micro nutrients: vitamins and minerals

Vitamins: Vitamins comprises micro-nutrients, since these are required in minute quantities. These are necessary for normal growth, good health, good vision, proper digestion of body. etc.  Each vitamin has its own importance for life and the health of the body. It is difficult to replace it by any other thing. If there is deficiency of vitamins in the diet of body, the body suffers from various diseases and ailments. 

Function of Vitamins
Vitamins are helpful for the health and life of the body in the following respects:
(a) They build up the resistance of the body against diseases.
(b) Prevent and cure various diseases caused by deficiency.
(c) Help the digestion and utilisation of mineral salts and Car­bohydrates in the body.
(d) Stimulate and give strength to digestive and nervous system.
(e) Help health protection.
(f) Help maintenance of proper health and normal growth.

Vitamins are classified as 

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Deficiency diseases - for General Knowledge

What are Deficiency diseases?
Diseases that are caused by the lack of some particular nutrient/vitamin in a person's diet are called deficiency diseases.  For example, wheat is rich in carbohydrates, but poor in nutrients like proteins and fats. Too much intake of wheat products results in a deficiency of proteins and fats, which reduces growth.  Lack of proteins also results in stunted growth, skin diseases, swelling of the face and dis-colouration of the hair, and even causes diarrhoea. 

Hyponatremia  - Deficiency of Sodium

Hypokalemia - Deficiency of Potassium

Night-blindness: A child having this disease is unable to see properly in the dark. His eyes become dull and listless and the skin becomes dry. If not treated in time, the child may become blind. This disease is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin A in the diet.

Beri-beri: This is basically a disorder of the nerves. It affects the health of eyes %and skin, growth of the body, formation of muscles and blood. There may also to be stomach and intestinal disturbances. This disease is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin-B. 

Scurvy: People suffering from scurvy have swollen and bleeding gums. They lose weight and become weak. Their teeth start shaking and become loose. This disease is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin-C.

Rickets: In this disease, the bones of the legs become thin, deformed and curved (bow-legged). The bones of the child become weak and soft. This disease is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin D.

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