Vasuki indicus

Researchers from IIT Roorkee unearthed fossils of Vasuki Indicus, an ancient snake species believed to have thrived 47 million years ago in Kutch, Gujarat, during the Middle Eocene period.

About Vasuki Indicus fossils:

• The reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, is estimated to have lived around 47 million years ago during the Middle Eocene period.
  • Vasuki refers to the mythical snake often depicted around the neck of the Hindu god Shiva.
• It could have measured anywhere between 10 to 15 meters (36-49 feet) in length.
• Vasuki belonged to the now-extinct Madtsoiidae snake family, which emerged approximately 90 million years ago and became extinct around 12,000 years ago.
  • It represents a unique lineage from India within the Madtsoiidae family.
• It likely had a broad and cylindrical body, hinting at a robust and powerful build and was as big as Titanoboa, a massive snake that once roamed the earth and is reportedly the longest ever known.
• Much like present-day pythons and anaconda, Vasuki Indicus killed its prey by suffocation.
• These snakes spread from India through southern Eurasia and into north Africa after the Indian subcontinent collided with Eurasia around 50 million years ago.

Ref:Source