26th August 2025 (20 Topics)
1
Aug
2
Aug
4
Aug
5
Aug
6
Aug
7
Aug
8
Aug
9
Aug
11
Aug
12
Aug
13
Aug
14
Aug
15
Aug
16
Aug
18
Aug
19
Aug
20
Aug
21
Aug
22
Aug
23
Aug
25
Aug
26
Aug
India’s Fossil Heritage at Risk
Context:
The discovery of the giant snake fossil Vasuki indicus in Western India has highlighted the absence of a national fossil repository and legal safeguards against fossil theft, vandalism, and illegal trade.
Fossil Discoveries in India
- Recent find:Vasuki indicus, a 47-million-year-old giant snake fossil (length ~49 feet).
- India has a rich fossil record due to its geological history — separation from Gondwanaland (~150 million years ago) and later collision with Asia (~50–60 million years ago).
- Fossil record includes ancient plants, dinosaurs, early mammals, and even whale ancestors like Indohyus.
Challenges in Fossil Preservation
- India lacks a national fossil repository or legislation governing fossil protection.
- Fossils often face risks of vandalism, theft, illegal sales, or private hoarding.
- Examples: Dinosaur eggs stolen from Mandav museum (2013); fossils sold online and at international auctions.
- Private collections, though significant (e.g., Ranga Rao–Obergfell Trust), remain unsorted and vulnerable.
Global Context and Implications
- Fossils fetch massive sums in auctions — e.g., Stegosaurus fossil sold for $44.6 million at Sotheby’s (2024).
- UNESCO’s Convention on the Means of Prohibiting the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970) seeks to prevent illegal trade in heritage objects.
- India’s fossil record is crucial for understanding evolution (dinosaurs, whales, early humans). Without safeguards, the country risks losing invaluable scientific and cultural heritage.
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
