Archaeology is devoted to finding explanations of the origin and development of human culture and understanding human evolution. It involves recovery, documentation and analysis, of material remains and environmental data which include (but are not limited to) architecture, artifacts, biofacts, human remains, and landscapes. Rajasthan is a cherished destination for both archaeologists and geologists. Kalibanga and Akal Wood Fossil Park are the two biggest draws for them.

kalibangan-fire-altars Archaeology Kalibanga in Rajasthan, India:

Situated on the banks of Ghhaggar River, about 205 km from Bikaner, is the town of Kalibangan. Remains of the pre-Harrappan and Harrappan settlements have been unearthed here and this has enabled the researchers to prove the existence of Indus Valley Civilization in the desert of Thar. The archaeological evidence points out that Rajasthan was a significant centre of ceramic industry at one point of time in ancient history. The Indus Valley ceramic pottery bears a distinct influence on the ceramic pottery of present-day Rajasthan.

Aakal Wood Fossil Park in Rajasthan, India:

The Aakal Wood Fossil Park is about 17 km from Jaisalmer. It houses fossils which are as old as 180 million years! These fossils recreate the world of the Jurassic period, a time when the Thar was submerged in the sea, something which finds eloquent mention in the great Hindu epic Ramayana. Sea shells and massive fossilized tree trunks in this park are the logs of the geological history of the desert. The whole area is now preserved for posterity as a natural wonder.

akal wood fossil parkThe park spans over 10 square kilometres. About 25 petrified trunks stand majestically in the park, the largest of which is 13 metres long. Thick forests of non-flowering trees like Chir (Oak) and Deodar once covered the area. Archaeologists are of the view that the sea retreated 36 million years ago and left behind a “fossiled” forest. The wood fossils of the place provide sufficient evidence to that in all probability this region had hot and humid climate some 180 million years ago.  Also, the area has been under sea at least four times in the history.

The presence of gigantic tree trunks points to something which is crucial and striking. The area which is a hot, arid desert today was once a plush forest and had a hot and humid climate. A number of unique geographical activities led to the shifting of the sandy basin which brought fossils to the surface. Years of weathering by wind and erosion by water has laid all these fossils bare. The area is full of huge numbers of petrified logs and innumerable pieces of wood. Evidence that fruits were grown in the area has also been pieced together.

A small drive from Jaisalmer, about 17 km long, will take you to the spot where one can see the fossilized remains of 180 million years old forests. These are beautiful forest vistas that entice the visitors. They need to purchase a very nominally-priced ticket.

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