Vasuki indicus

Overview

Vasuki indicus is one of the most exciting paleontological discoveries of recent years—a giant prehistoric snake that may rival or even exceed Titanoboa in length! Discovered in India and announced in 2024, this massive serpent lived approximately 47 million years ago during the Middle Eocene and is named after Vasuki, the mythical serpent king from Hindu tradition who wraps around Lord Shiva's neck.

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Taxonomy & Classification

• Class: Reptilia
• Family: Madtsoiidae
• Diet: Carnivorous
• Type: Giant constrictor snake

Vasuki belonged to the Madtsoiidae family—an extinct group of snakes that lived from the Cretaceous to the Pleistocene.

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Physical Characteristics

Incredible Size

• Length: 10.9-15.2 meters (36-50 feet)!
• Weight: About 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs)
• Diameter: Possibly approaching 1 meter at thickest point
• Status: Among the largest snakes ever discovered!

Comparing the Giants

Giant Snake	Length	Time Period	Location
Vasuki indicus	11-15m	Eocene (47 mya)	India
Titanoboa	12.8-14m	Paleocene (60 mya)	Colombia
Modern Anaconda	5-6m	Present	South America

Vasuki may be the longest snake ever discovered!

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The Mythological Name

Named After a Serpent King

• Vasuki is a sacred snake in Hindu mythology
• King of all nagas (serpent deities)
• Famously coiled around the neck of Lord Shiva
• Also used in the story of churning the cosmic ocean
• A fitting name for such an awe-inspiring creature!

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A 2024 Discovery

Breaking News in Paleontology

Vasuki was described very recently:

• Announced in April 2024
• Fossils found in the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Gujarat, India
• Discovered by scientists from IIT Roorkee
• Consisted of 27 vertebrae from multiple individuals
• Each vertebra was enormous

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Life in Eocene India

A Tropical World

Vasuki lived in a very different India:

• 47 million years ago
• India was an island continent (hadn't collided with Asia yet!)
• Climate was hot and tropical
• Dense rainforests and swamps
• Perfect conditions for giant cold-blooded reptiles

What Did It Eat?

• Probably large mammals of the Eocene
• Crocodilians (like Titanoboa did)
• Other large reptiles
• Killed by constriction (squeezing)
• Swallowed prey whole

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Why So Big?

Hot Climate = Big Snakes

Like Titanoboa, Vasuki's size tells us:

• The climate was extremely warm
• No ice at the poles during the Eocene
• Tropical conditions across much of Earth
• Cold-blooded animals can grow larger in heat
• The "greenhouse" climate allowed giant reptiles

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Madtsoiidae Family

An Extinct Lineage

Vasuki belonged to an interesting snake family:

• Madtsoiidae lived from Cretaceous to Pleistocene
• Found on every continent except Antarctica
• Some survived in Australia until just 50,000 years ago!
• Includes other giant snakes like Madtsoia and Gigantophis
• NOT closely related to modern boas or pythons

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Scientific Importance

Why It Matters

Vasuki indicus is important because:

• Shows giant snakes existed in multiple places and times
• Helps understand Eocene climate in India
• First giant snake from this time and place
• Expands our knowledge of Madtsoiidae family
• Proves India had its own mega-reptiles!

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Cool Facts

• Vasuki may be the longest snake ever at 15+ meters!
• Named after the serpent king wrapped around Lord Shiva's neck
• Discovered in a coal mine in India
• Lived when India was still an island moving toward Asia
• The 27 vertebrae found were each massive
• Announced in 2024—one of paleontology's newest giants!
• Proves the Eocene was a time of extreme heat and giant reptiles
• India 47 million years ago was like a super-tropical paradise

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Vasuki indicus is the newly crowned king of prehistoric snakes—a divine serpent from ancient India that may have been the longest snake to ever slither across our planet!