In ancient Indian chronology, the Saka Era that begins in 78 CE was founded by which ruler?

Introduction / Context:
The Saka Era is one of the most important historical eras used in Indian chronology, and it is still officially used in the Indian national calendar today. Knowing who founded this era helps students connect dynastic history, chronology and inscriptions. This question tests your factual recall of the ruler who is traditionally associated with the beginning of the Saka Era starting in 78 CE, a landmark date used to date copper plates, stone inscriptions and historical records.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers specifically to the Saka Era that begins in 78 CE. - Four rulers are listed: Kadphises I, Kanishka, Alexander and Menander. - We assume the standard interpretation followed in most Indian history textbooks and competitive exams. - The task is to identify the ruler with whom the founding of this era is traditionally associated.

Concept / Approach:
The key to this question lies in understanding the Kushan dynasty and its famous emperor Kanishka. Traditional Indian historiography and exam oriented books often associate the founding of the Saka Era in 78 CE with Kanishka, even though some modern scholars debate the exact details. Kadphises I was an earlier Kushan leader, Alexander was a Macedonian conqueror who invaded north west India in the 4th century BCE, and Menander (Milinda) was an Indo-Greek ruler. None of these, apart from Kanishka, is commonly linked with the Saka Era of 78 CE in standard exam references.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Saka Era begins in 78 CE and is used in many inscriptions and in the Indian national calendar. Step 2: Identify the dynasty that is most frequently connected with this date; it is the Kushan dynasty. Step 3: Remember that Emperor Kanishka, one of the greatest Kushan rulers, is traditionally associated with 78 CE, which is taken as the starting point of the Saka Era in many sources. Step 4: Kadphises I, although a Kushan ruler, is not generally credited with founding this era in exam oriented literature. Step 5: Alexander and Menander belong to different periods and political contexts and have no direct link to the Saka Era of 78 CE. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Kanishka.

Verification / Alternative check:
When you survey standard preparation books for UPSC, SSC or state services, you will usually find a direct statement such as “The Saka Era (78 CE) was started by Kanishka, the Kushan ruler.” Even though historians debate technicalities, examinations consistently follow this conventional attribution. Remember also that the official Indian national calendar is called the Saka calendar, further emphasizing its importance. Cross checking multiple exam guides will show that the accepted key is Kanishka, not the other rulers listed in the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kadphises I is wrong because, although he was an early Kushan ruler, he is not traditionally credited in exam literature with founding the Saka Era in 78 CE.
Alexander is wrong because he invaded north west India in the 4th century BCE, long before 78 CE, and did not institute this Indian era.
Menander is wrong as he was an Indo Greek ruler associated with Buddhist dialogues (Milindapanha), not with the creation of the Saka Era.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to overthink scholarly debates and forget what competitive exams usually expect. Some students also confuse the Saka Era with the Vikrama Samvat, which is linked with King Vikramaditya in 57 BCE, leading to mixed up associations. To avoid confusion, keep a simple mental note: Vikrama Samvat – 57 BCE; Saka Era – 78 CE, traditionally associated with Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty. This clear pairing will help you answer similar questions quickly and accurately in the exam hall.

Final Answer:
The Saka Era beginning in 78 CE is traditionally regarded as having been founded by Kanishka.