15-million-year-old Asura Hadda (demon bones) found in Odisha’s Baripada during college field trip. Here’s everything we know
According to ANI, the discovery was made in Baripada and indicates the existence of an ancient shallow sea that once covered most of today’s Mayurbhanj. The researchers say the findings provide valuable evidence of a rich marine ecosystem that flourished in the region during the Miocene period, about 15 million years ago.
The fossils were recovered from the Baripada Fossil Bed, which stretches from Dera in Kuliana block to Pratappur in Badasahi block. Scientists believe it preserves remnants of various underwater habitats that existed when the area was submerged by shallow sea waters.
Dr. is a researcher and professor in the Department of GIS, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo (MSCB) University. Debabrata Nandi said the discovery began during a field visit with students.
“Actually, when I took our students on the tour, I noticed fossil-like remains there. We went to the locals and asked them what it was, and they called it ‘Asura Hadda’ or ‘devil’s bones’. After that, we did further investigation and found many fossils, including microfossils like shark teeth and shark vertebrae, along with some other elements that we are yet to identify,” Nandi told ANI.
Researchers have since identified shark teeth, shark vertebrae, fish bones, mollusc shells and microscopic marine organisms among the fossil assemblage. Research shows that shark remains make up almost half of the fish fossils found in the region.
Nandi said the team was working with paleontologists and scientific institutions to determine the full significance of the discovery.
“This most likely dates back to 15 million years ago, called the Miocene period. The fossil belongs to that period. If there were no seabirds, we would not be able to find fossils of shark teeth and other marine animals. The presence of these fossils means that there was a sea there,” he said.
The findings also raised questions about how the coastline changes over time. Nandi stressed that further research is needed to understand why the sea receded about 60 kilometers from present-day Baripada.
“Everyone should investigate why this epidemic has decreased so far, whether it is due to climate change or other disasters. If more research is done, we will be able to discover much more,” he added.
Emphasizing the scientific importance of the site, Nandi called for measures to be taken to preserve the fossil bed and promote it as a geo-heritage site.
“I can say that we can develop this as a geo-heritage site or promote geo-tourism because this is the only place in Odisha where fossils from the Miocene period have been found. If we establish a fossil park or declare this as a geo-heritage site, we can showcase it to tourists and encourage extensive research,” he said.
Experts believe that the Baripada Fossil Bed has the potential to become a major geological heritage site and offers insights into the prehistoric environment of Odisha while supporting research, conservation and tourism.
