1995-96 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

BSIP
intricacies of Disphaerogena-a latest Maastrichtian-Danian dinoflagellate cyst genus, was
resolved. On the basis of dinoflagellate cyst evidences the lower part of Trichinopoly Formation
(Cauvery Basin) was dated as Middle-Upper Turonian age. The diatom assemblages
recovered from Havelock Island indicated a Miocene age for Long and Inglis formations.
Plant remains from Pre- and Proto-Historic sites
The researches on botanical remains from Pre- and Proto-Historic archaeological
sites in north and north-western India have provided significant results. For the first time the
studies from Sanghol, district Ludhiana, Punjab have shown the use of varied plant products
with healthy constituents and agreeable aroma in the traditional sacrificial rituals.
Geochronometry of Indian rocks
Radiocarbon dating of Quaternary deposits and archaeological remains has been
continued for chronological frame work of Quaternary events and cultural developments in
the subcontinent. The clay and shell samples from Salt Lake area, Calcutta, Kanya Kumari,
Tamil Nadu, Earthquake site (Latur) and Maharashtra were analysed for age determination
by C-14 method. The bottom most oyster bed from Koparkhairna District, Thane was dated
as 6240 ± 120 yrs B.P. The samples from Mariana, Kodaikanal and Dangmal, Mahanadi
Delta, Orissa were dated to reconstruct the palaeofloristics in south India and Orissa.
Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Institute
The Institute is in the 50th Year of its fruitful existence since September 10, 1995.
This momentous occasion of Institute's entry into the Golden Jubilee Year was inaugurated
and graced by Professor VS. Ramamurthy, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology,
Government of India. Professor C.Y Subramanian, Chairman, Governing Body of the
Institute presided over the Golden Jubilee inauguration function. Professor Rarnamurthy
declared Professor Birbal Sahni's room open to visitors as part oflnstitute's Museum on this
occasion. The Founder's room, where Professor Sahni worked using it as his office-eum
laboratory, has been renovated and recreated with the articles that were handled by him. The
setting and atmosphere of the Professor Birbal Sahni's room is a source of inspiration to all
those who visit the Institute. Professor Ramamurthy viewed the picture gallery adjacent to
Professor Birbal Sahni's room depicting the important events oflnstitute's growth to prominence.
Professor YK. Gaur of National Aerospace Laboratory, Bangalore delivered the
First Golden Jubilee Lecture on "Antarctica - the land of Science". In this lecture Professor
Gaur gave an excellent account of various scientific experiments being carried out on Antarctica
and their implications to mankind. The function was attended by the members of the
Governing Body, Research Advisory Council, ational Organizing Committee and scientists
from various organizations of Lucknow.
On this occasion two Volumes 43( I) and 44 of "The Palaeobotanist"-tJle journal
of the Institute, and a book "Coaliferous fuel resources of India-Parameters of studies in
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