Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have unearthed a potentially record-breaking fossil – the remains of a colossal snake they believe to be the biggest ever discovered. 

Named Vasuki Indicus after the mythical serpent king, the snake is estimated to have between 11 and 15 meters (36-49 feet) long, rivaling a school bus’s size. Led by Professor Sunil Bajpai, the research team found the remarkably well-preserved vertebrae in the Panandhro lignite mine, Gujarat. 

The discovery pushes the boundaries of what we know about ancient snakes. Vasuki Indicus lived approximately 47 million years ago in India’s swampy forests and may have weighed a staggering 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). 

Analysis of the vertebrae suggests a body shape similar to Titanoboa, the previously held record holder. This, along with its size, hints at a hunting style akin to modern anacondas – patiently constricting prey. 

The discovery not only sheds light on the biology and evolution of Eocene snakes but also on India’s ancient ecosystem. Fragments of Vasuki Indicus were first found in 2005, and comparisons with living snakes helped estimate its size. While the exact diet remains unclear, nearby fossils suggest the snake shared its swampy habitat with catfish, turtles, crocodiles, and even primitive whales – all potential prey items. 

This finding adds to India’s growing reputation as a hotspot for paleontological discoveries. Dr. Bajpai emphasizes the significance of the research, not just for understanding India’s past but also for unraveling the evolutionary history of snakes on the subcontinent. 

The unearthing of Vasuki Indicus rewrites the record books and opens exciting new avenues for understanding these fascinating creatures.