Massive prehistoric snake fossils discovered in Gujarat lignite mine

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of a fossil of one of the largest snakes ever discovered from a lignite mine in Gujarat. It once existed in the past. According to researchers, it probably existed during the Middle Eocene period 47 million years ago.

Remains found in Panandhro lignite mine of Kutch, Gujarat:

• An ancient species of snake named Vasuki Indicus, which lived about 47 million years ago, has been discovered in Gujarat. Research published in Scientific Reports describes a new sample recovered from the Panandhro lignite mine in Kutch, Gujarat.

Vasuki Indicus was named:

• It belongs to the medieval period. The species is named Vasuki indicus after the mythological snake.
• The name Vasuki is derived from the serpent wrapped around the neck of Lord Shiva. The word Indicus means India. Scientists have shown by this name that this snake was found only in India. It was as powerful and huge as Lord Shiva's Nagaraj.

Physical composition of Vasuki Indicus:

• Researchers have discovered 27 fragments of the snake's "partial, well-preserved" vertebral column. The vertebrae range in length from 37.5 to 62.7 mm and width from 62.4 to 111.4 mm. The body of this snake is cylindrical, which is an indication of it being quite powerful.
• Researchers at IIT Roorkee claim that this now extinct snake might have been one of the longest snakes in the world.

Vasuki Indicus Reptile Length 10 to 15 Meters:

• Today's 6 m (20 ft) anacondas and pythons were nothing compared to this. Researchers estimate that the length of Vasuki Indicus could be between 10.9 to 15.2 meters. That means it could have been as big as a modern school bus.
• Researchers say it belonged to the now-extinct Madatsoidae snake family, but represents a lineage unique to India.
• Researchers propose that Vasuki indicus may have revealed the famous Titanoboa in size.
• During the existence of this reptile, the geography of the Earth was significantly different from its current state. Africa, India and South America were joined together as a single landmass. It is believed that Vasuki Indicus had a broad and cylindrical body, indicating a strong and powerful build.