Ancient Marine Fossils Unearthed in Odisha's Mayurbhanj District

Ancient marine fossils, locally called 'Asura Hadda', have been found in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. These 15-million-year-old discoveries point to a shallow sea that once covered the area. Researchers found shark teeth, vertebrae, fish bones, and mollusc shells. This site offers a glimpse into a rich prehistoric marine ecosystem. Further research is needed to understand the sea's recession.

A collection of 15-million-year-old fossils, locally known as "Asura Hadda" or "demon bones", has been discovered in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district during a routine college field trip, shedding new light on the region's prehistoric marine past.

According to ANI, the discovery was made in Baripada and points to the existence of an ancient shallow sea that once covered large parts of present-day Mayurbhanj. Researchers say the findings provide valuable evidence of a rich marine ecosystem that thrived in the area during the Miocene epoch, around 15 million years ago.

The fossils were unearthed from the Baripada Fossil Bed, which extends from Dera in the Kuliana block to Pratappur in the Badasahi block. Scientists believe the site preserves remnants of a diverse underwater habitat that existed when the region was submerged beneath shallow seawaters.

Dr. Debabrata Nandi, researcher and professor in the Department of GIS at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo (MSCB) University, said the discovery began during a field visit with students.

"Actually, when I took our students on a tour, I noticed some fossil-like remnants there. We went to the local people and asked them what it was, and they referred to it as 'Asura Hadda', or 'demon's bones'. After that, we investigated further and found several fossils, including microfossils such as shark teeth and shark vertebrae, along with some other elements that we haven't been able to identify yet," Nandi told ANI.

Researchers have since identified shark teeth, shark vertebrae, fish bones, mollusc shells and microscopic marine organisms among the fossil assemblage. Studies suggest that shark remains account for nearly half of the fish fossils found at the site.

Nandi said the team is working with palaeontologists and scientific institutions to determine the full significance of the discovery.

"This is most probably from 15 million years ago, which is called the Miocene period. The fossil dates back to that time. If it weren't a marine belt, we wouldn't have found shark teeth or fossils of other sea animals. The presence of these fossils means there was a sea there," he said.

The findings have also raised questions about how the coastline shifted over time. Nandi stressed the need for further research to understand why the sea retreated nearly 60 kilometres from present-day Baripada.

"Everyone should study why it receded so far, whether it happened due to climate change or other disasters. If more research is conducted, we will be able to discover a lot more," he added.

Highlighting the site's scientific importance, Nandi called for measures to preserve the fossil bed and promote it as a geo-heritage destination.

"I would say that we can develop it as a geo-heritage site or promote geo-tourism because this is the only place in Odisha where Miocene-age fossils are found. If we establish a fossil park or declare it a geo-heritage site, we can showcase it to tourists and encourage extensive research," he said.

Experts believe the Baripada Fossil Bed has the potential to become a major geological heritage site, offering insights into Odisha's prehistoric environment while supporting research, conservation and tourism.