Can Ujjain Replace Greenwich as the Prime Meridian?

Ujjain, June 21 (NationPress) During the celebration of ‘Karka Sankranti’, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav once again emphasized his enduring appeal to establish Ujjain as the global epicenter for timekeeping.

Karka Sankranti, also referred to as Karkataka Sankranti or Dakshinayana Sankranti, signifies the sun's entry into the zodiac sign of Cancer (Karka Rashi) and heralds the commencement of Dakshinayana, marking the sun's southward journey.

Speaking at a gathering in the village Observatory near Ujjain, Yadav drew upon both scientific evidence and cultural heritage to bolster his assertion, stating that the time has come to transition global time measurement from Greenwich to Indian soil. He highlighted Ujjain's ancient significance in astronomical calculations and its geographical alignment with the Tropic of Cancer.

The Chief Minister articulated that India is advancing in its journey from heritage to modern development through scientific exploration. Observing the celestial shift from Uttarayan to Dakshinayan, he stressed that this annual transition is still monitored from Dongla, which he termed an essential point in Indian timekeeping.

Yadav noted that numerous countries have already recognized India’s potential as a center for global time measurement, expressing optimism that standard time would eventually be calculated from Indian territory rather than Greenwich.

Ujjain has historically been pivotal in Indian astronomy. The renowned observatory known as Vedhshala was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century and was utilized to calculate time and planetary movements with impressive accuracy. Ancient Hindu texts and calendars often regarded Ujjain as the base meridian for astronomical and astrological evaluations, long before the 1884 International Meridian Conference designated Greenwich as the prime meridian.

This renewed campaign to affirm India’s intellectual and civilizational leadership aligns with broader initiatives by the state government to revive traditional knowledge systems. Recent years have seen a strengthened focus on utilizing the Vikram Samvat calendar, advancing Vedic education, and institutionalizing Sanskrit as a medium of instruction in selected schools.

Nevertheless, critics remain cautious, highlighting the practical challenges of realigning the world’s timekeeping systems and the extensive technological framework that presently relies on Greenwich Mean Time.

While Ujjain holds historical significance in Indian astronomical assessments, it cannot supplant Greenwich as the global prime meridian. Greenwich was internationally recognized in 1884 for its vital role in standardizing time for global trade, navigation, and communication. Any change now would necessitate a comprehensive overhaul of established systems worldwide, potentially leading to disruption and confusion, particularly in the realms of trade and shipping.

This is why Ujjain's cultural and geographical significance is noteworthy, including its alignment with the Tropic of Cancer, yet the modern meridian system remains firmly rooted in Greenwich-based longitude.