Mysteries Behind The Skeleton Lake In The Himalayas Housing Frozen Remains From Prehistoric Times
The mysterious frozen lake in the spectacular Gharval Himalaya, Roopkund, is located at the high altitude, occasionally revealing the frightening scene of 300 skeletal remnants. More than a millennia, the bodies have lied there as vivid evidence for an extreme hailstorm’s consequence.
There are also various speculations behind these prehistoric skeletons. Meanwhile, alpine forests, green meadows, and snow-capped mountains are among the unique features of the site, turning it into a well-known tourist destination.
The first documents related to the lake emerged in 1898. Later, in 1942, the bones and skulls were reported to reside in melting ice by a ranger, arousing great curiosity among the soldiers that time. The dead bodies’ exceptional preservation is attributed to low temperature, ratified and clean air.
Several explanations have been put forward on the remnants’ origin. Local legends speak of the Goddess Nanda Devi and Lord Shiva trekking by the site after defeating some demons. Shiva formed the lake to quench Nanda Devi’s thirst, and she was able to observe her clear, beautiful reflection when bending over the lake. The name “Roopkund”, literally means look/shape lake might have originated from here.
Another folklore depicts a pilgrimage to the nearby altar of Nanda Devi, the mountain goddess. The pilgrimage was conducted by a king, a queen and several attendants, who were struck down by the wrath of Nanda Devi because of their improper behaviors. Other documents indicate that the remnants are from an army or group of merchants caught in a storm, which is agreed by numerous scientists.
Scientists discovered that the remains were from 3 genetically different groups deposited during multiple occasions, split in time by roughly 1 millennia, greatly denying prior assumptions that all of the skeletons were put there during a single catastrophe.
They have found that the Roopkund skeletons belong to three genetically distinct groups that were deposited during multiple events, separated in time by approximately 1000 years. These findings refute previous suggestions that the skeletons of Roopkund Lake were deposited in a single catastrophic event.
The analysis depicts that there were 23 people with South Asian ancestry at the lake that was killed on multiple occasions from the 7th to 10th centuries AD. Another group of 14 victims died there 1,000 years later, most likely in a single event were also included, originating from Greece and Crete, not Asian.
Did the Mediterranean group come for the Raj Jat pilgrimage and then stay at the lake long enough to meet their ends there? According to the DNA evidence, there’s no other thought than this for now, however, scientists say that this type of scenario wouldn’t make any sense.
There are also various speculations behind these prehistoric skeletons. Meanwhile, alpine forests, green meadows, and snow-capped mountains are among the unique features of the site, turning it into a well-known tourist destination.
Roopkund Lake – the lake of skeletons
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The first documents related to the lake emerged in 1898. Later, in 1942, the bones and skulls were reported to reside in melting ice by a ranger, arousing great curiosity among the soldiers that time. The dead bodies’ exceptional preservation is attributed to low temperature, ratified and clean air.
The origins of the skeletons of Roopkund Lake
Source: Flickr
Several explanations have been put forward on the remnants’ origin. Local legends speak of the Goddess Nanda Devi and Lord Shiva trekking by the site after defeating some demons. Shiva formed the lake to quench Nanda Devi’s thirst, and she was able to observe her clear, beautiful reflection when bending over the lake. The name “Roopkund”, literally means look/shape lake might have originated from here.
Another folklore depicts a pilgrimage to the nearby altar of Nanda Devi, the mountain goddess. The pilgrimage was conducted by a king, a queen and several attendants, who were struck down by the wrath of Nanda Devi because of their improper behaviors. Other documents indicate that the remnants are from an army or group of merchants caught in a storm, which is agreed by numerous scientists.
DNA analyses suggest another queer history behind the Roopkund skeletons
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Scientists discovered that the remains were from 3 genetically different groups deposited during multiple occasions, split in time by roughly 1 millennia, greatly denying prior assumptions that all of the skeletons were put there during a single catastrophe.
They have found that the Roopkund skeletons belong to three genetically distinct groups that were deposited during multiple events, separated in time by approximately 1000 years. These findings refute previous suggestions that the skeletons of Roopkund Lake were deposited in a single catastrophic event.
The analysis depicts that there were 23 people with South Asian ancestry at the lake that was killed on multiple occasions from the 7th to 10th centuries AD. Another group of 14 victims died there 1,000 years later, most likely in a single event were also included, originating from Greece and Crete, not Asian.
Source: Pinterest
Did the Mediterranean group come for the Raj Jat pilgrimage and then stay at the lake long enough to meet their ends there? According to the DNA evidence, there’s no other thought than this for now, however, scientists say that this type of scenario wouldn’t make any sense.
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