score:5
The e-visa itself specifies its validity period on its face. There is no such thing as "activation" nor any requirement to use the e-visa at any specific time, other than what is actually printed on the e-visa.
If the e-visa states:
e-Visa Validity period is 365 days from the date of issuance of this ETA.
Then that is the actual truth.
You can verify the status of your e-visa at the official India e-visa web site.