Context: A stone deity worshipped by the Bhils in Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh was recently proved to be a fossilized dinosaur egg. Now scientists are hopeful of getting UNESCO’s geopark tag for Dinosaur Fossil National Park in Bagh.
Fossils
The remains of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age, and that has been excavated from the soil are called as fossils. In the present era, the study and research of fossils is very important to get exact idea of the old civilization, plants and animals.
Dinosaur Fossil National Park, Bagh
Location: Bagh area; Dhar District; Madhya Pradesh
Whole area of Bagh or say Narmada valley is full of age old fossils, that makes this fossil park much more important.
Some of the rare fossils conserved in the Bagh Fossil Park are:
- 65 million years old petrified eggs of Herbivorous dinosaurs, which are considered amongst the biggest egg found in the history.
- 65 to 100 million years old bone remain of Sauropod and Abelisauras Dinosaur, which are considered amongst the biggest terrestrial animals in history.
- 74 to 100 million years old remain of Shark fish, found in Narmada valley.
- 70 million years old, sky scrapping trees of Narmada valley.
- 86 million years old fossilized marine creatures, found in Narmada waters.
UNESCO Geopark Tag
- UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
Do they focus exclusively on geology?
While a UNESCO Global Geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of international significance, the purpose of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the area's natural, cultural and intangible heritages.
The benefit of having this Tag
The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high-quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geotourism, while the geological resources of the area are protected.
Is designation is permanent
UNESCO Global Geoparks are given this designation for a period of four years after which the functioning and quality of each UNESCO Global Geopark is thoroughly re-examined during a revalidation process.
- If, on the basis of the field evaluation report, the UNESCO Global Geopark continues to fulfill the criteria, the area will continue as a UNESCO Global Geopark for a further four-year period ( “green card”).
- If the area no longer fulfills the criteria, the management body will be informed to take appropriate steps within a two-year period (“yellow card”).
- If the area does not fulfill the criteria within two years after receiving a “yellow card”, the area will lose its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark (“red card”).
**Presently India does not have this designation for any of its fossil conservation sites.
BHIL TRIBE
- Bhils are considered as one of the oldest tribes in India.
- The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups, living in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- The name is derived from the word ‘billu’, which means bow. The Bhil are known to be excellent archers coupled with deep knowledge about their local geography.
- Bhills could be identified as one of the Dravidian racial tribes of Western India and belong to Australoid group of tribes.
- They speak a language of Dravidian origin.
- Traditionally, experts in guerrilla warfare, most of them today are farmers and agricultural labourers. They are also skilled sculptors.
- Bhil has traditional medical specialists - Budwa (Shaman) Huvarki (traditional birth attendant) Vaidu (herbalist) and Had Vaidu (Bone setter) with some communities having male midwives.
- Bhil women wear traditional saris while men are dressed in long frock and pyjamas.
- Woman put on heavy ornaments made of silver, brass along with rosaries of beads and silver coins and earing.