Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
A fossil unearthed in the foothills of the Shivalik range has sparked excitement among palaeontologists after early observations suggested it could belong to a horned dinosaur similar to the Triceratops.
The fossil, discovered along the banks of the Sahansara River in Saharanpur district, is a horn-shaped fragment measuring between 33 and 46 centimetres in length and up to 5.5 centimetres in thickness. Researchers say its conical form and surface texture closely resemble the nasal horn of ceratopsian dinosaurs — a group known for their distinctive frills and facial horns.
An Unusual Find
Initial assessments indicate that the fossil is heavily mineralised and may have been buried for 35 to 40 million years. If confirmed as a ceratopsian horn, it would represent the first evidence of a Triceratops-type dinosaur in the Indian subcontinent — a discovery that could rewrite aspects of India’s prehistoric record.
Ceratopsians, including Triceratops, are well known from Late Cretaceous deposits in North America. Their presence in India has never been established, making this Saharanpur find both surprising and scientifically intriguing.
“Too Early to Confirm”
Researchers involved in the study have cautioned against drawing quick conclusions. “While the fossil bears resemblance to a Triceratops horn-core, we cannot yet confirm its classification,” one scientist said. “Detailed analysis and comparison with established fossil records are essential before making any declaration.”
Further testing — including morphological studies, scanning, and geological dating — is planned to determine the fossil’s exact identity and age.
Why It Matters
The Shivalik hills, stretching across parts of northern India, are known primarily for their Miocene and Pliocene mammalian fossils. Discovering a dinosaur fossil in these formations could indicate either previously unrecorded geological layers or a rare case of fossil re-deposition.
If proven authentic, the find could also help scientists trace ancient migration patterns and the distribution of horned dinosaurs across prehistoric landmasses.
Renewed Interest in the Shivaliks
The discovery has renewed scientific and public interest in the Shivalik region’s fossil potential. Local officials and researchers are calling for systematic exploration of the area, which could yield further evidence of India’s ancient biodiversity.
For now, the Saharanpur fossil remains an enigma — a stone-encased reminder that India’s prehistoric landscape still holds many secrets beneath its surface.
