Rare Jurassic-Era Fossil Unearthed in Rajasthan
A remarkable fossil discovery near Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer has been identified as that of a phytosaur, a crocodile-like reptile that lived nearly 200 million years ago. This is the first well-preserved phytosaur fossil ever found in India, making it a milestone for paleontology in the country.
The fossil, nearly two metres long, was unearthed last week by locals while digging near a lake in Megha village, around 45 km from Jaisalmer. Alongside the remains, what appears to be a fossilised egg was also recovered, believed to belong to the prehistoric reptile.
What Exactly Is a Phytosaur?
Phytosaurs were large, semi-aquatic reptiles that thrived during the Triassic and early Jurassic periods. They looked strikingly similar to modern-day crocodiles, with short legs, heavy bodies covered in scales, long tails, and sharp-toothed snouts.
“The phytosaur looks like a crocodile, and the fossil is 200 million years old,” explained Professor V.S. Parihar, senior paleontologist and Dean of Earth Science System at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. He added that the specimen indicates a medium-sized phytosaur that likely lived by rivers and survived on fish.
Although similar to crocodiles in appearance, phytosaurs were not closely related. One key difference: crocodiles have nostrils at the end of their snouts, while phytosaurs had them on a raised hump in front of their eyes.
First Definitive Discovery in India
While a phytosaur-type fossil was reported on the Bihar-Madhya Pradesh border in 2023, experts say this Jaisalmer find is the first confirmed and well-preserved phytosaur fossil in India.
Geologists believe this points to the rich prehistoric aquatic life of the Thar Desert. “Around 180 million years ago, dinosaurs thrived here during the Jurassic age. Jaisalmer forms part of what we call the Lathi Formation, a 100-km-long, 40-km-wide belt with evidence of freshwater and marine ecosystems,” said Dr. Narayan Das Inakhiya, who has been leading fossil research in the region.
Jaisalmer: A Fossil Hotspot and Future Geo-Tourism Hub?
The region has seen several fossil finds over the years, including dinosaur bones in Thiyat, a fossilized footprint, and a well-preserved dinosaur egg discovered in 2023. With this latest discovery, Megha village adds to Jaisalmer’s growing reputation as a paleontological treasure trove.
Dr. Inakhiya highlighted that Jaisalmer could potentially be developed as a geo-tourism site, attracting researchers and travelers alike. “There are root fossils, marine fossils, and of course dinosaur remains here. These should be conserved and preserved for scientific study,” he said.
He also pointed to the mythical Saraswati river’s underground channels near the Tanot border with Pakistan, noting their geological importance. “They are relatively recent compared to the fossils—about 5,000 to 6,000 years older than the Vedic period,” he explained.
Villagers’ Excitement and Viral Buzz
The discovery has created a wave of excitement in Megha village, with residents flocking to the site. Many shared photos and videos of the fossil on social media, making it a local sensation.
Experts believe this is the fifth major dinosaur-related discovery in the Jaisalmer region, further strengthening its standing as one of India’s key fossil-rich zones.
