Chula Sakarat

The Minor Era (Thai: จุลศักราช, chula sakarat) is a year numbering system used primarily in Thailand. Its first year corresponds with the year 639 CE. The name Minor Era is a loan translation from the Thai, which itself is derived from Pali cula "small" and Sanskrit śaka + rāja "royal era". In Thailand, this era is used in contrast with the Shalivahana era, commonly known in Thai as the Major Era (Thai: มหาศักราช, maha sakarat).

In the Minor Era system, the year begins in mid-April. Thus, to calculate the Minor Era year from the Common Era year, deduct 639, or 638 if the date falls between January 1 and the first part of April.

The origin of the system is disputed, but one theory holds that in this year, the Buddhist patriarch Buppasoranhan, after seizing the throne in Burma, declared the first year of the new system.

The Minor Era was widely used in the Lanna period, the late Sukhothai period, and the Ayutthaya period. In modern times it has been occasionally used, such as on coins minted during the reign of King Rama V of Thailand.

See also

• Thai lunar calendar