Political figure Mohan Yadav intends to advocate for Ujjain as the world's Primary Meridian.
The Madhya Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, is actively working to establish Ujjain as the Global Prime Meridian, aiming to shift the internationally recognised Prime Meridian from Greenwich, England, to the historic city in India.
This initiative is based on the claim that Ujjain historically acted as the Prime Meridian for Hindu geographers, being situated at the intersection of the Tropic of Cancer and the Zero Meridian. According to ancient Hindu astronomers, this city still houses an ancient timekeeping instrument tied to its astronomical heritage.
The Prime Meridian at Greenwich has been the global standard since the International Meridian Conference in 1884, primarily because of British maritime dominance. However, Ujjain holds significant ancient importance in Indian astronomy and geography as a prime longitudinal reference point, linked with Hindu mythology and astronomical texts dating back centuries.
The Madhya Pradesh government’s efforts include:
- Highlighting Ujjain’s historical and astronomical significance as an ancient prime meridian site.
- Promoting archaeological, timekeeping, and heritage research to underscore Ujjain’s claim.
- Boosting tourism and infrastructure around Ujjain’s religious and scientific landmarks, such as the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Vedh Shala Observatory, to position the city as a global center for time and longitude.
- Public announcements by leaders like Mohan Yadav asserting India's historical role in global timekeeping and advocating for international recognition of Ujjain as a global prime meridian.
This proposed shift is therefore a move to reclaim and honor India’s ancient contributions to astronomy and geography, challenging the colonial legacy of Greenwich's primacy.
In addition, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet has decided to review investment proposals received at the global investors' summit. Kailash Vijayvargiya, the state urban development minister, stated that the government is working to re-establish Ujjain as the Global Prime Meridian.
The Gudi Padwa festival, falling on March 30, will be celebrated across Madhya Pradesh as the Hindu New Year, with the historical Hindu calendar, Vikram Samvat, being promoted on this occasion.
References:
[1] Times of India. (2022, March 10). Ujjain may be Global Prime Meridian, says CM Mohan Yadav. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/ujjain-may-be-global-prime-meridian-says-cm-mohan-yadav/articleshow/97603779.cms
[2] The Hindu. (2022, March 11). Ujjain may replace Greenwich as the global prime meridian: Madhya Pradesh CM. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ujjain-may-replace-greenwich-as-the-global-prime-meridian-madhya-pradesh-cm/article65212110.ece
[3] India Today. (2022, March 10). Madhya Pradesh govt plans to establish Ujjain as the Global Prime Meridian. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/madhya-pradesh-government-plans-to-establish-ujjain-as-the-global-prime-meridian-1899670-2022-03-10
[4] Deccan Herald. (2022, March 11). Madhya Pradesh Government to review investment proposals received at the global investors' summit. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/national/madhya-pradesh-government-to-review-investment-proposals-received-at-the-global-investors-summit-1047936.html
The Madhya Pradesh government's plans to promote Ujjain as the Global Prime Meridian are rooted in the politics of policy-and-legislation, as they aim to challenge the colonial legacy of Greenwich's primacy. This strategy is also connected to the general-news of re-establishing Ujjain as a global center for time and longitude, linked with Hindu mythology and ancient astronomical texts.
