Two digital timekeeping devices combining modern clock technology with traditional Indian chronometry, astronomy and Panchang-based information are set to be installed at Mantralaya and Vidhan Bhavan in Maharashtra. An expenditure of Rs 10.97 lakh has been sanctioned by the state government for the procurement of the two devices, which have been named Kaalaayan.
Each Kaalaayan unit has been priced at Rs 5.48 lakh, including taxes. The devices are being manufactured by Pune-based Aarsh Vidya Pvt Ltd, which has been identified in the government resolution as the only organisation manufacturing the system. Procurement and subsequent technical inspections will be supervised by the Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, who has been appointed as the controlling officer for the initiative.
Kaalaayan has been described by its developers as a “new-age clock based on ancient Indian chronometry”. Unlike a conventional digital clock, information extending beyond hours, minutes and seconds will be presented. Indian Standard Time and GPS-based time will be displayed, while astronomical details such as sunrise and sunset timings and the positions and movements of celestial bodies will also be incorporated.
Traditional Indian calendrical information will form another significant part of the display. Panchang details will be made available through the devices, allowing the conventional Indian understanding of time and astronomical cycles to be represented alongside contemporary timekeeping systems. Information relating to important cultural, religious, social and national occasions will also be displayed.
The Panchang is traditionally calculated using astronomical information and is structured around five principal elements — tithi or lunar day, vara or weekday, nakshatra or lunar constellation, yoga and karana. Information concerning lunar phases, planetary positions, eclipses and festivals can also be derived from the traditional almanac. Periods regarded as auspicious or inauspicious under traditional systems may similarly be indicated.
Astrological information has also been included among Kaalaayan’s proposed features. An “easy-to-understand display” of astrological nomenclature and terminology has been promised by the manufacturers. Information intended to help users understand celestial maps and planetary positions will be presented, while ritual timings and horoscopy-related data are also expected to be incorporated.
Through the installation, traditional Indian approaches to measuring and interpreting time are sought to be placed within a modern technological framework. Rather than time being represented only through the conventional 24-hour cycle, its relationship with astronomical movements, natural cycles and traditional calendrical calculations will also be highlighted.
The initiative has been presented by the developers as an attempt to revive interest in older Indian systems of chronometry while making the information easier to access through a contemporary digital interface. Once procured, the two devices will be placed at Maharashtra’s key administrative and legislative centres, with periodic technical inspections being carried out under the supervision of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
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