In the ancient lands of Kutch, Gujarat, remarkably ancient fossils have been unearthed, belonging to the Vasuki Snake. This snake was considered the largest serpent in the world, surpassing even the Anaconda and the colossal T. Rex dinosaur from the Jurassic era. The fossilized remains of the Vasuki Snake were discovered in the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch. This is the same serpent often mentioned in the mythological churning of the ocean, aiding in the rotation of Mount Mandara to extract crucial elements like the elixir of immortality (Amrit) and poison (Vish).
Scientists have uncovered 27 fragments of the vertebral column of Vasuki Snake from this mine, scientifically designated as Vasuki Indicus. According to a study published in the Journal Scientific Reports, paleontologist Debajit Datta from IIT Roorkee described its size, resembling that of contemporary anacondas. However, it is believed that Vasuki Snake was not venomous. Debajit suggested that it moved slowly but was a formidable predator, capable of subduing its prey akin to anacondas and crocodiles. However, as global temperatures increased, their population dwindled.
Vasuki Snake is often considered the serpent king in Hindu mythology, associated with Lord Shiva. It is regarded as an ancient rival of Titanoboa, whose fossils were discovered in a coal mine in Colombia in 2009, measuring about 42 feet in length and weighing around 1100 kilograms. Sunil Bajpai, a member of the team that discovered Vasuki Snake, mentioned that its size could rival that of Titanoboa, although there were differences in their vertebral bones.
This serpent existed during the Cenozoic Era, approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the dinosaur era. The largest fragment of Vasuki Snake's vertebral column recovered measures around four and a half inches wide, indicating a body at least 17 inches wide. Its skull remains elusive, ongoing research aims to uncover more about its diet, suggesting it might have preyed on large mammals like contemporary crocodiles.
Numerous fossils of crocodiles and turtles have been found in the vicinity, indicating a diverse ecosystem during its time. Vasuki Snake belonged to the Madtsoiidae family, which thrived on Earth around 90 million years ago, becoming extinct about 12,000 years ago. These snakes were distributed from India to Southern Eurasia and Northern Africa. The collision of Eurasia with Asia around 50 million years ago led to the formation of the Indian subcontinent.
In conclusion, the discovery of Vasuki Snake fossils in Kutch sheds light on the rich prehistoric biodiversity of the region, providing invaluable insights into the ancient ecosystems and the fascinating creatures that once roamed the Earth.
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