Vikram Samvat (Devanagari script : Vikram Samvat ) is an abbreviated form introduced by the Indian king Vikramaditya. It is one of the most popular years in India and the national year in Nepal. Although Vikram Samvat is recognized as a national year, Gregorian calendar and Nepal Samvat are also widely used in Nepal. Vikramaditya, the lunar king of the city of Ujjain, defeated the Shakas and introduced the lunar year Vikram Samvat in 56 BC for his victory. Vikram Samvat is 57.6 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. It is a lunar year and dates are calculated according to the dates of the ancient solar system. In North India and Nepal, the New Year begins this year on the date of Shukla Pratipada in the month of Chandra Chaitra. But in western India this same year begins on the date of Shukla Pratipada in the lunar month of Kartik.