Ancient coral fossil unearthed in Madhya Pradesh tribal shrine, dated 65 million years
Archaeologists in Madhya Pradesh have identified a stone revered by the Baiga tribe as a rare 65-million-year-old coral fossil.
In the forested Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, a stone long venerated by the Baiga community has been classified as a rare coral fossil from the late Cretaceous, about 65 million years old. The discovery resulted from a survey by the directorate of archaeology, archives and museums, which followed up on photographs of the unusual formation. Tests conducted by ASI archaeologist Manoj Kumar Kurmi and his team verified the fossil's age, linking it to a period when a massive asteroid impact and Deccan Traps volcanism caused a global extinction event.
Archaeology commissioner Madan Kumar Nagargoje highlighted the Baiga's intuitive recognition of the stone's significance despite lacking scientific tools. The artifact, along with other regional finds, will soon be exhibited in a dedicated gallery at the state museum in Bhopal, offering insight into both geological history and tribal cultural heritage.
Why it matters
The find bridges deep-time natural history with living indigenous traditions, enriching scientific and cultural understanding.
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