Non-Profit Organization, Reg. No U85300HP2022NPL009682 Government of India
Non-Profit Organization, Reg. No U85300HP2022NPL009682 Government of India

The TETHYS FOSSIL MSUEUM envisions the creation of Kasauli Geopark as a UNESCO Geoheritage site, integrating geology, history, archaeology, geography, culture, and more

Explore our extensive collection of fossils, showcasing specimens from various eras. Each exhibit at Tethys Fossil Museum is curated to provide insights into the evolution of life on Earth and its dynamic environment.

We offer a range of educational programmes designed for all ages at Tethys Fossil Museum. Our workshops and guided tours are tailored to engage visitors in hands-on learning experiences about paleontology and earth sciences.

















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Tethys Fossil Museum inaugurated at Kasauli https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/tethys-fossil-museum-inaugurated-at-kasauli-497216

CHANDIGARH: Tethys Fossil Museum, located in Dangyari, Himachal Pradesh, recently celebrated the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram at Ayodha with a ceremony at the museum involving the lighting of diyas. This symbolic gesture embodies the museum's deep reverence for this significant occasion.
Dr. Ritesh Arya, the esteemed founder of Tethys Fossil Museum, has exhibited unwavering dedication to preserving the scientific heritage linked to the construction of Ram Sethu. His notable contributions were prominently featured in the "Legends of Ramayan" documentary, which was broadcast by the Discovery Channel. This spotlight on the museum's endeavors underscores its commitment to bridging the gap between ancient narratives and scientific explorations, thus enhancing its reputation in the field.
Dr. Arya expressed, "Ram holds a glorious chapter in our golden history. The commencement of constructing the Ram Temple or his palace after 500 years marks the revival of that golden era. In Himachal Pradesh, we are fortunate to have significant sites such as Vashist Ashram in Manali, Jakhu Mandir in Shimla, Monkey Point in Kasauli, Jorji in Solan district, the place of origin of the Kaushala river, the Pabbar Valley, and Baijnath, all of which are associated with the life of Rama. It is imperative to develop these sites as geoheritage and historical landmarks to promote geo-tourism in Himachal Pradesh."
Dr. Arya Guinness World record holder also emphasized that Tethys Fossil Museum features a dedicated section revealing the science behind the creation of Ram Sethu, as showcased in the Discovery Channel broadcast. The museum houses corals from Rameshwaram that were integral to the construction of Ram Sethu. This section aims to impart knowledge on the scientific processes behind the creation of Ram Sethu to children, fostering faith in ancient history and culture, while also instilling a scientific temper among the new generation.
Prof Krishan Kant, Director, Corporate Affairs with Tethys Fossil Museum who joined the celebrations said on the occasion that this has been a historic experience and would certainly get etched in the history of this great nation. Tethys Fossil Museum wishes to contribute by enhancing the scientific temper of the researchers regarding Lord Rama and his exploits, he added.
ByAshiq Hussain,
SrinagarAug 30, 2023 12:42 AM IST![]()
A geologist has found a collection of marine (sea) fossils at an altitude of 16,000 feet above sea level further in Ladakh, augmenting the idea that Himalayas were born as continental plates thrust out of Tethys Sea about 40 million years ago.
Ritesh Arya, founder of the Tethys Fossil Museum, says that he made the discovery while conducting groundwater exploration in the rugged terrains of Burtse in eastern Ladakh.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Ram Mandir!
Arya has “Unearthed an impressive collection” of marine fossils, including gastropods (snail-like mollusks), bivalves (shellfish) and foraminifera (mostly microscopic organisms).
These well-preserved fossils, which indicate a thriving marine environment at the time of deposition, are likely the first reported findings from this formation, a statement about the findings by the geologist said.
“The fossils offer a remarkable window into the past, allowing us to reconstruct the paleo environment of the region and enhance our understanding of the geological forces and interactions that shaped the planet, especially the birth Himalayas,” he said.
The geologist said that the discovery provides crucial data to unravel the mysteries of Earth’s history during the Eocene epoch, ranging from 56 to 33.9 million years — a time when the Tethys Sea is said to have spanned the region.
Preliminary investigations by the geologist suggest that the fossils morphologically resemble those of gastropods and foraminifera, similar to fossils found in the Subathu formation in Himachal Pradesh.
“They provide clear evidence of the existence of the Tethys Sea at that time—an intriguing revelation that connects India and Tibet through the waves of Tethys, showcasing a unique paleo-environmental connection,” the statement said.
The findings revealed that their presence at such heights highlights the immense tectonic forces that lifted these sediments from a near-coastal marine environment to these heights.
“The intricate folding and faulting of the region provide a glimpse into the magnitude of the geological forces that uplifted the diverse marine life that flourished millions of years ago, raising them to the heights where they are preserved today,” the statement added.
Kashmir University department of earth sciences head Bikram Singh said that the Indian continent broke away from the African continent millions of years ago. It came towards north through the Tethys Sea and slid under Eurasian plate, resulting in the formation of Himalayas.
“The floor of Tethys thrust up, that is why we find ophiolites (oceanic crust) in Ladakh. Those rocks contain marine fossils. These fossils have been found earlier as well in Ladakh, like the palm leaves,” Singh, who has done research on earthquakes, added.
“The discovery is not surprising. The marine animals of Tethys have been found at many places in Ladakh and Kashmir,” he added.

While the gastropods
and bivalves act as crucial biostratigraphic
markers, the foraminifera fossils will act as
age indicators, enabling the dating of these
remnants of the past.
In short, Arya's findings
shed light on the geological history of the area
and provide valuable insights into the ancient
paleo environment.
He further elaborates,
"The intricate folding and faulting of the region provide a glimpse into the magnitude of the geological forces which uplifted the diverse marine life that flourished millions of years ago, raising them from ocean depths to the heights where they are preserved today."
He also added that the
limestone formations found north of the Shyok
Suture or Shyok granite region showcase an
extraordinary fossiliferous nature, boasting of
an abundance of fossils.
He signs off stating that the latest discovery will add a new dimension to the understanding of the region's geology.
Geologists have
discovered coral reef fossils, including
int ..
Read more at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/104537239.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Y.S.Rana | January 24, 2024 08:32 PM


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