Context: A stone deity worshipped by the Bhils in Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh was recently proved to be a fossilized dinosaur egg.

News:

• Tradition Continuation: Similar to their forebears, the Bhil community has a tradition of venerating ancient stones, with generations worshipping the sunbaked, reddish-brown Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba.
• Rituals: Ceremonies involve offerings, including sacrifices of chickens and sheep, as whispered pleas are made to the approximately oval-shaped deity.
• Deity Description: The deity, characterized by a weathered face adorned with a black tilak and a distinctive handlebar mustache, is revered for blessings related to bountiful harvests and the well-being of livestock.
• Tribal Worship Practices in Narmada Valley:
• Fossilized Titanosaurus Eggs: Tribes residing in the Narmada Valley engage in the worship of fossilized Titanosaurus eggs as part of their religious practices.
• Cultural Continuity: These practices reflect the cultural continuity within the Bhil community, emphasizing ancestral reverence and the deep-rooted connection to traditional worship methods.

Bhil Tribes:

• Popularly recognized as the bow men of Rajasthan, the name "Bhil" is derived from the term "villu" or "billu."
• Widespread Presence: Bhils represent the most extensive and widely distributed tribe in South Asia.
• Comprising 39% of Rajasthan's total population, Bhils play a significant demographic role in the region.
• Classified into Central or pure Bhils and Eastern or Rajput Bhils.
• Central Bhils: Found in the mountainous regions of Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
• Additional Presence: Bhils are also located in the northeastern parts of Tripura.
• Epic Mentions: The name Bhil finds mention in ancient epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, particularly in the context of Eklavya.
• Language Spoken: Bhils communicate in Bhili, an Indo-Aryan language.
• Economic Shift: Traditionally skilled hunters, Bhils have transitioned to agriculture as their primary livelihood SOURCE.
• Separate State Demand: Some Bhil communities advocate for the establishment of a separate state known as Bhil Pradesh.

Dinosaur Fossils National Park:

• Location: Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, the Dinosaur Fossils National Park is a designated protected area.
• Renowned Site: The park is celebrated for its extensive fossil deposits, offering valuable glimpses into the prehistoric era and the existence of dinosaurs.
• Age of Fossils: The fossil findings in this park date back approximately 6.5 crore years.
• Insights into Prehistory: The rare dinosaur fossils discovered in the park contribute significantly to our understanding of the prehistoric world.

UNESCO Global Geopark Nomination:

• Recent Discovery Impact: Scientists anticipate that the recent discovery will boost the chances of securing India's first UNESCO Global Geopark designation.
• United Nations Recognition: The UNESCO Global Geopark tag, initiated in 2015, is bestowed upon territories with sites globally significant in terms of geology, geomorphology, or paleontology.
• Prestigious Club: If chosen, the Bagh site would become part of an exclusive group, joining 195 UNESCO Geoparks across 48 countries.