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Homescience

Vasuki Indicus Discovered: World's largest prehistoric snake, 47 million years old, found in India

Buried in Gujarat, scientists have uncovered Vasuki indicus — a massive snake longer than a bus, now the world’s largest known snake, which lived 56 million years ago.

MC Science Desk | July 29, 2025 / 11:08 IST
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Vasuki Indicus Uncovered: Ancient Snake Longer Than Bus Scientists dig up one of Earth's longest snakes, entombed for centuries under Gujarat's ground. (Image: AI)
Vasuki Indicus Uncovered: Scientists dig up one of Earth's longest snakes, entombed for centuries under Gujarat's ground. (Image: AI)
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Concealed in Gujarat's Ground: The fossil was uncovered deep in Kutch's Panandhro Lignite Mine, entombed under ancient earth layers. (Image: Reuters)
Concealed in Gujarat's Ground: The fossil was uncovered deep in Kutch's Panandhro Lignite Mine, entombed under ancient earth layers. (Image: Reuters)
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Fossils First Spotted in 2005: Scientists discovered 27 huge vertebrae more than two decades ago, remarkably well-preserved in rock. (Image: Sunil Bajpai/Debajit Datta (fossils); Nix Illustration/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Fossils First Spotted in 2005: Scientists discovered 27 huge vertebrae more than two decades ago, remarkably well-preserved in rock. (Image: Sunil Bajpai/Debajit Datta (fossils); Nix Illustration/CC BY-SA 4.0)
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A 20-Year Scientific Mystery: After years of analysis, scientists confirmed Vasuki’s immense size and prehistoric roots. (Image: Sunil Bajpai/Debajit Datta (fossils); Nix Illustration/CC BY-SA 4.0)
A 20-Year Scientific Mystery: After years of analysis, scientists confirmed Vasuki’s immense size and prehistoric roots. (Image: Sunil Bajpai/Debajit Datta (fossils); Nix Illustration/CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Longer Than a City Bus: Vasuki indicus measured 36 to 50 feet long, weighing nearly a metric tonne. (Image: AI)
Longer Than a City Bus: Vasuki indicus measured 36 to 50 feet long, weighing nearly a metric tonne. (Image: AI)
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From the Eocene Epoch: This ancient predator lived 56 million years ago, thriving in swampy habitats. (Image: AI)
From the Eocene Epoch: This ancient predator lived 56 million years ago, thriving in swampy habitats. (Image: AI)
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Slow, Silent Predator: Vasuki used ambush tactics and constriction—not venom—to catch prey like catfish and turtles. (Image: AI)
Slow, Silent Predator: Vasuki used ambush tactics and constriction—not venom—to catch prey like catfish and turtles. (Image: AI)
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Named After a Serpent King: Its name commemorates Vasuki, the great serpent of Hindu mythology. (Image: AI)
Named After a Serpent King: Its name commemorates Vasuki, the great serpent of Hindu mythology. (Image: AI)
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A Climate Clue from the Past: Its dimensions point to an earlier, warmer, denser ancient climate—shedding light on the history of Earth's climate. (Image: AI)
A Climate Clue from the Past: Its dimensions point to an earlier, warmer, denser ancient climate—shedding light on the history of Earth's climate. (Image: AI)

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