The archaeologists from Ashoka University, Sonipat, have unearthed prehistoric artefacts made from fossil wood in Madhya Pradesh’s National Fossil Park at Ghughua. The finding is a testament to ancient human ingenuity, revealing that prehistoric hunter-gatherers used fossilised tree trunks as raw materials to create tools and artefacts. This discovery, led by Professor Nayanjot Lahiri and her team, marks one of the region’s first instances of such artefacts.
During a recent visit to the Ghughua Fossil Park, Professor Lahiri’s team, including archaeologist Akash Srinivas, research scholars Samayita Banerjee and Debdutta Sanyal, and naturalist Satyendra Tiwari, discovered mid-sized flakes and microliths made from fossil wood. These artefacts, estimated at least 10,000 years old, prove that ancient populations utilised fossil wood long after transforming from living trees to stone-like fossils.
Managed by the Forest Department, the National Fossil Park at Ghughua in the Dindori district is a unique site featuring a museum and an interpretation area showcasing fossilised tree trunks from the Cretaceous period, over 65 million years ago. These fossils, preserved since the 1980s, include remains of trees, plants, shells, and traces of ancient creatures, offering visitors a glimpse into the distant past.
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Tools made from fossil wood are rare in India, with previous examples found only in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Tripura. The Ghughua artefacts are a significant addition to this limited collection, suggesting continuous occupation and resource use over time. One notable microlith indicates that ancient groups used the same raw material to craft tools at different times.
The discovery underscores the historical importance of the Ghughua Fossil Park, where four extensive fossil collections are displayed amidst a landscape of waist-high wild grass and undulating hills. Locals refer to these fossils as “athar ke ped” or stone trees, some of which are up to 65 million years old. The fossils were formed when trees from the era of the last dinosaurs, such as the Triceratops, were buried under sediments and volcanic ash, preserving them through millennia.
Madhya Pradesh is home to several significant prehistoric sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhimbetka, Hathnora (where the famous Narmada woman’s skull fragment was found), Neemtone, Pilikarar, and Mahadeo Piparia. These sites primarily feature stone tools from quartzite, chert, and sandstone. The recent discovery at Ghughua expands this historical narrative, revealing that ancient humans also utilised fossil wood, indicating a broader range of resources than previously understood.
The fossil record at Ghughua includes primarily plants from the late Cretaceous to early Tertiary periods, dating back approximately 65 million years. Over 31 generations of 18 families have been identified, with a notable presence of palms and dicotyledons. Fossils of eucalyptus trees, native to Australia, suggest a time when the Gondwana supercontinent existed, connecting what are now distant landmasses.
Ghughua Fossil Park is a unique Madhya Pradesh tourism circuit destination, especially for those travelling between Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh. Open from sunrise to sunset, the park requires visitors to purchase tickets, with different rates for Indian citizens and foreign tourists. The park features well-preserved fossils of woody plants, climbers, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, providing educational insights into India’s vegetational history.
The fossils at Ghughua were scattered over large areas of the Dindori and Mandla districts but went unnoticed by authorities for years. The discovery began in 1970 when Dr Dharmendra Prasad, the Statistical Officer of Mandla district, noticed the fossils and initiated further studies at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany in Lucknow. This discovery put the region on the global fossil map, attracting scientists, students, and tourists eager to see the fossils.
The fossil record at Ghughua mainly consists of plants from the topmost Cretaceous to early Tertiary periods, dating back about 65 million years. So far, 31 genera belonging to 18 families have been identified, with a preponderance of palms and dicotyledons. Fossils of eucalyptus trees, native to Australia, indicate when the Gondwana supercontinent existed. Other fossilised plants include ancient Date Palm, Jamun, Banana, Rudraksh, and Aonla. Additionally, fossils of some shell-bearing animals suggest that the region was once much more humid and received more rainfall than it does today.
Ghughua Fossil Park is a fascinating place to visit while touring Madhya Pradesh. Located between Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh, the park offers a unique glimpse into the Earth’s ancient past. It features well-preserved fossils of woody plants, climbers, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, complete with informative notes. The park is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset every day, and local staff are available to assist with visits. Visitors can explore the park by purchasing tickets at different rates for Indian citizens and foreign tourists. The destination is well-promoted by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department.
