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Antique Collection India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history?Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! Historical Collections Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. Antique Pieces Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! Antique Collection Online Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection?For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree?At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons:Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space.Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world.Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces.Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision.Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism.Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family.Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests.Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate.In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

<h1>Antique Collection</h1>
India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history? Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! 
<h2>Historical Collections</h2>
Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. 
<h2>Antique Pieces</h2>
Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! 
<h2>Antique Collection Online</h2>
Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s 1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection? For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree? At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons: Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space. Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world. Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces. Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision. Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism. Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family. Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests. Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate. In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

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Where in India would you go if you wanted to touch one of the earth’s oldest building blocks? Which Indian state has lent its name to the geological time-scale in which we currently live? And why is the supercontinent ‘Gondwanaland’ named after a region in Central India?

OK, so we’ve got your attention; but that was easy. The tough part is getting those who have the power to save our geological heritage, to sit up and take notice of India’s fabulous geological wealth. Why do we care so little for our world-class geo-heritage?

We invited a panel of experts to provide an insight into India’s geological heritage and address the issues concerning its awareness and protection, on our weekly online talk show, 

 and our panelists were: Aaliya Babi, Conservationist; Dr Pushpendra Singh Ranawat, Retired Prof of Geology, MLS University, Udaipur; Dr D Rajasekhar Reddy, Advisor, Geoheritage Cell, INTACH; and Bidisha Bayan, Research Scholar.

Each of our panelists has been involved in campaigns and programmes to get India’s geo-heritage recognised and conserved. On our show, they identified the challenges involved and offered suggestions on what needs to be done to preserve and promote India’s rich and varied geological treasures.

What is India’s geological wealth and what is its status today?

To understand the geological wealth that India has, it is important to know where it all began. Dr Pushpendra Singh Ranawat and Bidisha Bayan talked about just how old the Indian subcontinent is and briefly explained its geological history. They pointed out that the earth was born around 4.5 billion years ago. Although there were no continents then, as we know them today, various continental units fused together around 300 million years ago, to form a supercontinent called Pangaea.

Around 200 million years ago, this supercontinent split into two – Laurasia and Gondwana. The latter was named after the ‘Gondwana’ region in Central India and comprised the present-day continents of Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, the Indian subcontinent, and Madagascar. It was named ‘Gondwanaland’ as geological formations in this region of Central India match those of similar ages in the southern hemisphere.

Next, Gondwana began to split up 160-180 million years ago, a process that took a million years. After breaking away from the rest of Gondwana, India and Madagascar began to move northwards. Both these landmasses separated from each other 80-90 million years ago, after which the Indian plate continued to move northward. About 50 million years ago, it collided with the Eurasian plate, giving rise to new formations like the Himalayas, while the old structures such as rocks remained.

Many of the natural wonders in India today are an outcome of millions of years of geographical transformation. One of these wonders, highlighted by Bayan, is the Dharwar Craton. A craton is a part of the earth’s crust that has remained largely unchanged for billions of years. The Nandi Hills in Karnataka are a part of the Dharwar Craton, which is a part of the earliest building block of the Indian landmass and is also one of the oldest cratons in the world. It has been around for 3.5 billion years.

Apart from this absolutely amazing geological wonder, India is home to a wide range of other geological marvels, which include caves, canyons, fossil sites, rocks and a whole lot more. Not many know that the geological age in which we live – and the youngest, newest unit on the geological time scale – is named the ‘Meghalayan Age’, which comprises the last 4,200 years of the Earth’s existence.

This geological age is named after the North-East Indian state of Meghalaya, where scientists discovered a cave formation that contained evidence of a climatic event that marked the beginning of this age. This cave system in the region is a network of 1,700 limestone and sandstone caves that stretches across 491 km!

States like Rajasthan and Gujarat too are geologically very rich, which is one of the reasons many kingdoms in history have flourished there. The site of Zawar, near Udaipur in Rajasthan, which has many zinc mines, is recognised by the British Museum as the world’s first zinc smelting site. Surprisingly, the site is still not protected in India.

And India’s geo-heritage is so much more than rocks and minerals. The subcontinent was home to dinosaurs and you can visit the Dinosaur Park in Balasinor in Gujarat, to see the world’s third-largest dinosaur hatcheries and excavation sites. The conservationist behind this was one of our panelists, Aaliya Babi.

For a long time, India’s geo-heritage has been a neglected domain. The Geological Survey of India, which was established in 1851, has identified only 32 geological sites as National Geological Monuments. Most of these are located in geologically rich states such as Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Two sites in Rajasthan are recognised as geo-heritage sites but are yet to be declared as such officially. In fact, India is yet to get its first geo-park.

Dr D Rajasekhar Reddy, Advisor, Geoheritage Cell, INTACH, explained what constitutes a geo-park. 

“A geo-park is not exclusively geology, it’s geology-centric. It can have one or two important geological sites, coupled with cultural and archaeological sites.” 

Experts like Dr Reddy and Dr Ranawat have been running campaigns for the development of geo-parks in India.

Unfortunately, beyond declaring a site as a geological monument, nothing has been done to protect these natural marvels in India. Our experts agreed that one of the main reasons is lack of awareness. Citizens don’t even know that such a wealth of geology exists in India. 

“Geology is not taught at the school level, so people aren’t aware. Even though people use geology every day, there is no awareness. It needs to be popularized,” 

Talking about the Balasinor Park, Aaliya Babi pointed out that, initially, the locals in the area were clueless about dinosaurs. “

The villagers were ignorant, they didn’t know what a dinosaur was. So first we had to educate them about the importance of this prehistoric animal, which for them was just rock because they couldn’t see an animal in it. So we had to tell them what it was.”

Another major issue is lack of laws and rules. Is it any surprise that India lacks legislation for the protection of geological sites? There are no laws governing our geo-heritage or geo-diversity. “

We have a biodiversity law in our country which says we cannot take plants, or unique species of plants, out of the country, but we don’t have a geo-diversity law. So, if someone wants to take a fossil out of our country, no one can stop them...There are times when dinosaur eggs were sold to tourists for just Rs 500... that’s really a matter of shame,” 

said Bayan, highlighting the sorry state of our geo-heritage.

The sites, without any protection, are subject to theft and vandalism. People steal rocks and fossils from these sites and there are no checks in place. Natural erosion or damage is another problem. Industrialisation, illegal or excessive mining, construction and demolition of rocks are also harming our natural heritage and these valuable sites. All these sites, which are natural formations, are exposed to the elements, without any physical protection. If this continues, we will lose these important sites.

 Based on the suggestions and observations from our experts, here are a few ways in which we can conserve and protect our geological heritage.

This is Dr Ranawat’s mantra for the conservation of geo-sites. He said we first need to identify the important sites and then work towards their protection. After that is done, local communities and others should be made aware of the significance of these sites, he pointed out.

Awareness is key to conservation. Local communities need to be sensitised to the importance of the sites in their respective regions. Once they understand the value, they can be involved in campaigns and activities to promote these sites.

Dr Reddy highlighted how his team in Visakhapatnam got local school students, photographers, artists and journalists involved in activities such as photography competitions for the sites of Erra Matti Dibbalu and Natural Arch in Visakhapatnam.

 All our experts agreed that we need strict laws to protect the geological sites in India. In their absence, these sites will continue to be vandalised. Bayan, who worked on the draft of the ‘Geoheritage Conservation Legislation’ which the Ministry of Mines is currently reviewing, also said that while volunteers like herself may take the initiative, it is only the government authorities and legal bodies that can enforce the laws.

 Taking inspiration from the Balasinor Dinosaur project, it is imperative that geo-heritage sites develop into self-sustaining tourism sites. Outside India, geological sites such as the Grand Canyon in the US are great tourist attractions.

The message came across loud and clear – geo-heritage enthusiasts, conservationists and other experts are making a valiant effort to showcase India’s wonderful natural heritage but these will remain isolated attempts unless the government steps in and takes charge.

Cover Image: Natural Arch, Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh - A national geological monument

You can watch the complete conversation on 

, we offer a platform to anyone who wants to highlight issues surrounding our heritage as well as showcase work that addresses the many problems faced on the ground, across the length and breadth of India. If you have a story to share, an issue to highlight, or work to showcase, write to us at: contactus@livehistoryindia.com

Did you know that India has the world’s third-largest dinosaur excavation site in the world? Sadly, our stunning geological wealth has been neglected by the keepers of our heritage, a subject we explored in our weekly online talk show, Heritage Matters