Researchers report that a banyan tree in Munger, Bihar is about 700 years old and is the world’s oldest banyan with an accurately determined age. Multiple outlets describe how the tree’s age is confirmed through scientific dating rather than folklore. The study reportedly uses radiocarbon dating on wood samples from the banyan, employing AMS radiocarbon methods to estimate its age. The findings place the tree’s growth in the medieval period and indicate that its verified age predates other nearby historic structures mentioned by some reports. NDTV adds that the study demonstrates a reliable scientific approach for dating tropical heritage trees, which could help improve conservation and heritage preservation efforts beyond this single site. Times of India frames the result as a new benchmark for banyan-tree age verification, while noting the location as a lesser-known heritage destination. Overall, sources agree on the approximate 700-year estimate, the scientific radiocarbon approach, and the claim that it is the oldest accurately dated banyan documented in this manner.
Study dates Bihar’s Munger banyan at about 700 years, oldest accurately dated
Researchers report that a banyan tree in Munger, Bihar is about 700 years old and is the world’s oldest banyan with an accurately determined age. Multiple outlets describe how the tree’s age is confir...
- A banyan tree in Munger, Bihar is estimated at around 700 years old.
- Researchers determine the age using radiocarbon dating of wood samples, described as AMS radiocarbon dating.
- The study presents the tree as the world’s oldest banyan with an accurately scientific date.
- The result is presented as a method that could support conservation and heritage preservation of other heritage trees.
- Reports describe the discovery as replacing earlier reliance on myth or unverified estimates.
For centuries, India's ancient banyan trees were shrouded in myth, but a recent discovery in Bihar has scientifically confirmed the age of a Munger banyan at approximately 700 years. This makes it the world's oldest accurately dated banyan, predating even nearby historic structures. Researchers used AMS radiocarbon dating to verify its age, offering a compelling reason for travellers to explore this lesser-known heritage destination.
1 month agoA massive banyan tree in Bihar's Munger district has been scientifically dated to approximately 700 years old, making it the world's oldest accurately dated specimen. Researchers employed radiocarbon dating on wood samples, a technique usually for archaeology, to establish its age.
1 month agoThe breakthrough study introduces a reliable scientific method for dating tropical heritage trees and could significantly strengthen conservation and heritage preservation efforts worldwide.
1 month ago
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