Munger: Imagine a tree so old it's been standing since before Columbus set sail and it's right here in Bihar! Scientists have confirmed that a banyan tree in Munger district of Bihar is around 700 years old, making it the oldest accurately dated banyan tree in the world.
This discovery is a big win for science. Usually, scientists date trees by counting growth rings, but tropical trees like banyans don't form clear rings. So, researchers led by Dr. Trina Bose at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, used a cutting-edge method: radiocarbon dating.
They extracted cellulose from ancient wood samples and tested them with advanced machines to measure carbon isotopes. The results proved the banyan's age with remarkable accuracy.
Banyan trees aren't just giant plants, they're living ecosystems. Their sprawling roots and branches shelter birds, insects, and animals, while also serving as traditional gathering spots for communities. This Munger banyan likely sprouted centuries before the nearby Burra Bunglow was built over 300 years back, meaning it's a survivor from an ancient forest.
Published in Quaternary Research, the study shows how science can help protect heritage trees, preserve biodiversity, and even unlock clues about past climates. It's a reminder that trees are not just shade-givers, they're storytellers of history.