Nature has an unforgiving rule: adapt or die.
KR; The concept of an ice age is explained in science and is widely
accepted as a well-supported theory based on extensive geological evidence.
An ice age is a period in Earth's history when global temperatures decrease
significantly, leading to the expansion of ice sheets and glaciers across
large portions of the planet's surface.
The scientific understanding of ice ages is based on multiple lines of
evidence, including:
Glacial Deposits: Geological evidence such as moraines, drumlins, and
glacial erratic provide clear indications of past glaciations. These
formations are found in regions that were once covered by ice sheets and
glaciers, indicating periods of extensive glaciation.
Sedimentary Records: Ice cores extracted from polar regions provide
detailed records of past climate conditions, including atmospheric
composition and temperature variations. Analysis of these cores reveals
cycles of glaciation and interglacial periods spanning millions of years.
Isotopic Analysis: Isotopic analysis of oxygen and other elements in
sedimentary layers and ice cores provides insights into past climate
conditions. Changes in isotopic ratios can indicate variations in
temperature and the extent of ice coverage.
Fossil Records: Fossil evidence, such as the distribution of plants and
animals, also supports the occurrence of ice ages. Fossils of cold-adapted
species found in regions that were once covered by ice suggest periods of
cooler climate.
Orbital Forcing: Variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt, known as
Milankovitch cycles, are believed to play a significant role in driving the
onset and duration of ice ages. These cycles affect the distribution of
solar radiation on Earth's surface, influencing climate patterns over long
periods of time.
Based on these and other lines of evidence, scientists have developed
detailed models of past ice ages and their causes. While there have been
multiple ice ages throughout Earth's history, the most recent one, known as the
Quaternary glaciation, began around 2.58 million years ago and continues to
the present day, characterized by alternating glacial and interglacial
periods.
India, like many regions of the world, was indeed affected by ice ages, but
the extent and nature of these effects varied compared to higher latitudes.
Here are a few reasons why India may have appeared to be less affected by
ice ages:
Geographical Location: India's geographical location near the equator meant
that it experienced milder effects of glaciation compared to higher
latitudes. While ice ages led to significant cooling globally, regions
closer to the equator experienced less extreme temperature changes.
Monsoon Climate: India's climate is heavily influenced by the Indian Ocean
monsoon system. During ice ages, changes in global climate patterns may
have altered monsoon dynamics, leading to shifts in precipitation patterns
rather than extensive glaciation. The monsoon system could have mitigated
the cooling effects of ice ages in the region.
Topography: The diverse topography of India, including the Himalayas and
the Western Ghats, could have acted as barriers to glacial advances. High
mountain ranges can block the movement of ice sheets and influence local
climate patterns, creating microclimates that are less conducive to
glaciation.
Oceanic Influence: The Indian subcontinent is surrounded by oceans, which
can moderate temperature extremes and influence regional climate patterns.
Oceanic currents and sea surface temperatures play a crucial role in
shaping climate conditions in coastal areas, potentially mitigating the
impacts of ice ages.
Paleoclimate Evidence: While India may not have experienced extensive
glaciation like higher latitudes, paleoclimate evidence suggests that the
region still underwent significant climate fluctuations during ice ages.
For example, sedimentary records and isotopic analysis indicate changes in
precipitation, vegetation, and temperature over geological time scales.
Overall, while India may not have experienced the same degree of glaciation
as regions at higher latitudes during ice ages, it was still affected by
climatic changes and fluctuations. The combination of its geographical
location, monsoon climate, topography, and oceanic influences contributed
to shaping the nature and extent of these effects in the region.
Destructions of pieces in various climates changes including the ice age in
history: Throughout history*, various climate changes*, including ice ages,
have led to significant environmental disruptions and extinctions. Here are
some examples of destruction and changes associated with different climatic
shifts, including ice ages:
Pleistocene Extinctions: During the Pleistocene epoch (approximately 2.6
million to 11,700 years ago), the Earth experienced multiple glacial and
interglacial cycles. These fluctuations in climate contributed to the
extinction of numerous species, particularly large mammals known as
megafauna. The causes of these extinctions are complex and may include
factors such as habitat loss, changes in vegetation, human hunting, and
climate change.
Younger Dryas: Around 12,900 years ago, during the transition from the
Pleistocene to the Holocene epoch, the Earth experienced a sudden and
intense cooling event known as the Younger Dryas. This period of rapid
climate change led to the extinction of several species, including mammoths
and mastodons in North America. The causes of the Younger Dryas are still
debated but may involve changes in ocean circulation and the release of
freshwater into the North Atlantic.
Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age: During the Medieval Warm Period
(roughly 950 to 1250 AD) and the subsequent Little Ice Age (approximately
1300 to 1850 AD), Europe experienced significant climate fluctuations. These
periods of warming and cooling had profound effects on agriculture,
ecosystems, and human societies. The Little Ice Age, in particular, led to
crop failures, famine, and social unrest in Europe.
Holocene Extinctions: The Holocene epoch (beginning around 11,700 years
ago) has seen further extinctions and environmental changes, although not
as dramatic as those of the Pleistocene. Human activities, including
habitat destruction, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species,
have played significant roles in driving extinctions during this period.
Climate change, both natural and anthropogenic, continues to pose
challenges to biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide.
Modern Climate Change: In recent decades, human-induced climate change has
accelerated, leading to rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, more
frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and
biodiversity. The impacts of modern climate change include sea level rise,
loss of habitats, shifts in species distributions, and increased risks to
human health and well-being.
These examples illustrate the diverse and complex effects of climate change
throughout history, including ice ages and other climatic shifts, on
ecosystems, species, and human societies. Understanding past climate
changes can provide insights into the potential consequences of current and
future climate change scenarios.
*Over the past 200 million years, India has experienced significant
geological and climatic changes,* leading to diverse landscapes,
ecosystems, and geological formations. Here are some key climatic impacts
on India over this time frame:
Breakup of Gondwana and Drift of the Indian Plate (200 - 50 million years
ago): During the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana, the Indian
subcontinent began drifting northward from its position near Antarctica.
This movement eventually led to the collision of the Indian Plate with the
Eurasian Plate, resulting in the formation of the Himalayas.
The drifting of the Indian Plate across different latitudes and oceanic
currents would have influenced India's climate, including temperature,
precipitation, and atmospheric circulation patterns.
KR: Now is Ramayana 7000 years old or could be greater than?
Origin of Gondwana Dynasty
Gonds is one of the prominent tribal groups of India. They trace their
origin to Proto-Australoid race. They are the oldest tribal group in the
Indian Subcontinent.
The Hindu epic Ramayana mentioned the Dandakaranya region which is a
habitat for the Gond tribe.
Ramnagar's Inscription of Hriday Shah written in the Sanskrit language
informs about the Gondwana dynasty. It tells about the 54 rulers of the
Gondwana dynasty from Yadavrai to Hriday Shah.
British Colonel Sleeman also presented an account of Gond rulers from Yadavrai
to the last ruler Sumer Shah.
A Sanskrit Sloka collection ‘Gadheshnri-Pavarnanam’ written at the end of
the 18th century, in which 63 rulers and their reign is mentioned.
The Gondwana Kingdom ruled over the Gondwana region of India. The Gondwana
region is comprised of the core region of Vidarbha’s eastern part in
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh’s Garha Kingdom, and western parts of
Chhattisgarh.
In present Madhya Pradesh, Mandala, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Dindori,
Chhindwara, Betul, Seoni, Narsingpur, Katni, Damoh, Sagar, Bhopal, Rasien,
Hoshangabad, Harda, Southern part of Panna, etc lies under the Gondwana
Kingdom.
[image: No photo description available.] The Ramayana and the Geological
Sciences
The ancient Vedic text of the Ramayana may reveal clues to the geography of
the prehistoric world. According to science, 300 million years ago the
entire landmass of the world consisted of one Super-Continent scientist now
call Pangaea. It was sorrounded by a vast global ocean called the
Panthalassic Ocean."Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the
late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, forming about 300 million years ago
and beginning to rift around 200 million years ago, before the component
continents were separated into their current configurations. The single
global ocean which surrounded Pangaea is accordingly named Panthalassa."
The legend of King Sagara provides many vital clues that signify an
intimate knowledge of the ancient world's geography. Going by the evidence
provided within the ancient Vedic texts compared with the modern geological
sciences it appears that we are not dealing with mere myths. Rather we are
confronted with several starling factors that can only be reconciled when
we recognize that we are dealing with very ancient history. Many elements
which sound like fantastic mythology may actually fit perfectly into the
realm of science and logic.
The episode detailing the story of King Sagara represents a time going back
approximately 200,100,000 years ago. As the Ramayana records at that time
there was only One Landmass Surrounded by One Ocean.
King Sagara said to his sons...
tat gacchata vicinvadhvam putrakaa bhadram astu vah
samudra maaliniim sarvaam prithiviim anugacchata
Oh, sons, you may therefore proceed to search for the horse and its thief
on this Entire Earth which is Garlanded by the Ocean. Safety upon you all.
[1-39-13]
Than Approximately 100,000 years later King Sagara's descendant, King
Bhageeratha brought the Ganges River to the Earth planet in order to
liberate the Souls of the Sons of Sagara who had been burnt to Ashes by the
Sonic energy of Sage Kapila. Bhageeratha is described as guiding the Ganga
into the Ocean-like Ditch Created by the Sons of Sagara.
sa gatvaa saagaram raajaa gangayaa anugatas tadaa
pravivesha talam bhuumeh yatra te bhasmasaat kritaah
King Bhageeratha followed by Ganga has gone to the Ocean-like Ditch which
was dredged up by the sons of Sagara, and entered the subterranean regions
of earth where the sons of Sagara were rendered into ashes. Thus
Vishvamitra continued his narration about the Descent of Ganga (Ganges
River). [1-44-1]
According to the Ramayana, over 100,000 years earlier the 60,000 sons of
Sagara, had been born from an Egg-like guard. They were then placed for a
long duration into test tubes and nurtured within them, clone-like, until
they were youths.
ghrita puurnesu kumbhesu dhaatryah taan samavardhayan
kaalena mahataa sarve yauvanam pratipedire
The caretakers brought up those siblings in vessels filled with ghee,
clarified butter, and after a protracted [delayed] time all of the children
attained youthfulness. [1-38-18]
The Geological Sciences refer to a time when "The Tethys Sea began dividing
Pangaea into two super continents, Laurasia and Gondwana." And "The Tethys
Sea was an ocean that existed between the continents of Gondwana and
Laurasia during much of the Mesozoic era, before the opening of the Indian
and Atlantic oceans during the Cretaceous period."
In the Chapter of the Ramayana entitled 'How King Sagara’s Sons Divided the
Earth' we get another clue that the ancients understood that a
Super-continent existed and was then divided and new oceans created.
According to the Ramayana this dividing of the Single Earth's landmass and
the creation of Ocean-like ditches began when the 60,000 sons of King
Sagara embarked on their mission to find their Father King Sagara's Sacred
Horse. Indra had taken the guise of a Demon and stolen the sacred horse.
Their father King Sagara thus ordered his sons...
eka ekam yojanam putraa vistaaram abhigacchata
yaavat turaga sa.ndarshah taavat khanata mediniim
tam eva haya hartaaram maargamaanaa mama aajnayaa
'Oh, sons, let each prince advance searching one square yojana of the
Earth. By my order you dig up the earth until you find the horse, in your
search of the thief of that horse. [1-39-14b, 15]
Thus after searching the entire Earth, which at the time was a Single
Landmass Surrounded by a Single Ocean, the Princes continued seeking the
Sacred Horse by digging into the Earth. In this way they Divided the
Continent into sections thus signifyng the initial separation of the
Continents. Based upon this feat of the Princes the Oceans were named after
their father King Sagara. And thus the world's Oceans are referred to as
Sagar to this very day.
After hearing of this history from Sage Vishvamitra Lord Ramachandra Says:
ati adbhutam idam brahman kathitam paramam tvayaa
gangaa avataranam punyam saagarasya api puuranam
The blessed legend you have narrated about the digging of an ocean at the
behest of Sagara, Ganga's Avataranam,and Bhageeratha filling it with the
water of Ganga is sacrosanct [most sacred or holy] and even highly amazing.
[1-45-2]
Consequently by turning to these ancient sources of experiential knowledge,
humanity can undoubtedly develop a path towards a harmonious future.
In terms of narrative time, the action of the *Ramayana* predates the
*Mahabharata*. However, the general cultural background of the *Ramayana* is
one of the post-urbanization periods of the eastern part of north India,
while the *Mahabharata* reflects the Kuru areas west of this, from the
Rigvedic to the late Vedic period.
By tradition, the text belongs to the Treta Yuga, second of the four eons
(yuga) of Hindu chronology. Rama is said to have been born in the Treta
Yuga (869,000 years ago) to King Dasharatha in the Ikshvaku dynasty.
The names of the characters (Rama, Sita, Dasharatha, Janaka, Vashista,
Vishwamitra) are all known only in the late Vedic literature. For instance,
a king named Janaka appears in a lengthy dialogue in the Brahadaranyaka
Upanishad with no reference to Rama or the *Ramayana*. However, nowhere in
the surviving Vedic poetry is there a story similar to the *Ramayana of
Valmiki*. According to the modern academic view, Vishnu, who, according to
Bala Kanda, was incarnated as Rama, first came into prominence with the
epics themselves and further, during the Puranic period of the later 1st
millennium CE. Also, in the epic Mahabharata, there is a version of the
*Ramayana* known as *Ramopakhyana*. This version is depicted as a narration
to Yudhishthira.
So the oldest date of Rama is about 869,000 years ago. (that is stretching
the truth).
Geologically, the Indian subcontinent was first a part of a largely oceanic
Greater India Basin, a region of Gondwana that drifted away from East
Africa about 160 million years ago, around the Middle Jurassic period. The
region experienced high volcanic activity and plate subdivisions, creating
Madagascar, Seychelles, Antarctica, Australasia, and the Indian
subcontinent basin. The Indian subcontinent drifted north-eastwards,
colliding with the Eurasian plate nearly 55 million years ago, towards the
end of Palaeocene. The zone where the Eurasian and Indian subcontinent
plates meet remains geologically active, prone to major earthquakes.
Physiographic ally, it is a peninsular region in south-central Asia
delineated by the Himalayas in the north, the Hindu Kush in the west, and
the Arakanese in the east. It extends southward into the Indian Ocean with
the Arabian Sea to the southwest and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast.
Most of this region rests on the Indian Plate and is isolated from the rest
of Asia by large mountain barriers.
The genetic ancestry of India population shows amalgamation of
mainly two different kinds of ancestries— the tribes and Indus valley
habitat. The findings have been published in the recent issue of ‘Nature’
research journal (March 27, 2020). “Each one of us, barring around 20%
people who are found in parts of western India and Haryana and have their
ancestry with the Aryans, bear genetic sequencing with one of the three
tribes of the country – Kol, Bhil and Gond (which are here for about 60,000
years) – or that with Indus Valley people who were here some 5000 years
ago,” Prof Chaubey said. The events mentioned in the epic of Ramayana is
said to take place some 7000 years back and as the text mentions these
tribes, this means that they were very much present during and well before
that period, argued Prof Chaubey
Ancestors of most of the Indians were there during Ramayana age:
The study, which began in 2013, had the sample size of over 550
Kol and equal number of Gond and Bhil tribes from three parts of the
country – Koraon (Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh), Siddhi (Madhya Pradesh) and
Amravati (Maharashtra). The team selected three main tribal populations,
namely Kol (Guh Nishad), Bhil (Bhilni) and Gond (from Gondwana areas), and
extracted references to these tribes from different chapters of Ramayana,
along with their geographic locations. The team collected samples from
various locations and scanned hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide
polymorphisms (DNA sequencing) among these three ancient tribes, and
compared the results with their neighbouring populations and other world
populations. Prof, a linguistic expert and head of linguistic department
from, Switzerland, said: “We didn’t find any genetic link of Kol with other
Austroasiatic speaking population, ruling out their link with the
populations of the East—as claimed by some studies which say that these
tribes were part of those who came from southeast Asian countries in last
4,000 years. Hence, they are the most primordial population of the
country.” “Our analysis shows that these tribes, including Kol, forms the
foundation of present population of the country living here before the
Ramayana period. It is not surprising that they find their mention in the
epic,” said Prof Chaubey. Interestingly, Kols claim themselves to be
descendants of Shabri, a character in the Ramayana, and call her the
‘Mother of all Kols’. “They also believe that once they inhabited the hills
of Rajasthan with Bhil tribe and helped Rajput king Rana Pratap in battle
against Mughals,” said Prof Chaubey. (Apart from Prof Chaubey and his PhD
students from BHU, others who contributed in the study include Rakesh
Tamang from (known for his work on Himalayan populations), Akhilesh Chaubey
from Madhya Pradesh (an expert in tribal culture and their lifestyle), Dr (
https://g4bygolpa com/) George van Driem (
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/george-vandriem) University of
Bern (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/university-ofbern) Calcutta
University
Mesozoic Era (252 - 66 million years ago): During the Mesozoic Era,
India was situated closer to the equator, experiencing warm and humid
conditions conducive to the growth of tropical forests and diverse flora
and fauna. Marine deposits and fossils from this period indicate the
presence of shallow seas and coral reefs in parts of India.
Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago - present): India's collision
with the Eurasian Plate began *around 50 million years ago, leading to the
uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the formation of the Himalayas*. This
tectonic activity had profound effects on India's climate, topography, and
biodiversity.
The uplift of the Himalayas altered atmospheric circulation patterns,
leading to the onset of the Indian monsoon system. The monsoon played a
crucial role in shaping India's climate and hydrology, influencing rainfall
patterns, river systems, and agricultural practices.
The Himalayas also acted as a barrier to the movement of air masses,
leading to regional variations in climate across India, including
differences between the northern and southern regions. This included the
impacts unlike that of Europe etc, ,India had the least impacts.
Geological processes, such as erosion, sedimentation, and the
formation of sedimentary basins, continued to shape India's landscape and
geological formations during the Cenozoic Era.
Quaternary Period (2.6 million years ago - present): During the
Quaternary Period, India experienced multiple glacial and interglacial
cycles associated with global climate fluctuations. These cycles led to
changes in temperature, precipitation, and vegetation, as well as the
expansion and retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas and other mountain
ranges. The Quaternary Period also saw the evolution of modern human
populations in India, who adapted to diverse climatic and environmental
conditions, developed agricultural practices, and established civilizations
along the river valleys. Overall, India's geological and climatic history
over the past 200 million years has been shaped by tectonic activity,
continental drift, and global climate changes. These processes have
contributed to the region's rich biodiversity, varied landscapes, and
complex environmental dynamics. And we have solid evidence from our epics
itself to analyse better. Let us write our own K Rajaram IRS 15324
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion on the web visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZophK1SWue1joA7LmC%3DgBSHgSeYTHp0M5cxtHO0ziAuMpQ%40mail.gmail.com.
