Munger found the oldest banyan tree on Earth

Kumar Krishnan

Whether it was the tyranny of the British or the celebrations of independence, the banyan tree (vatavriksha) discovered in Bihar’s Munger has witnessed every turn in the nation’s history. More than 700 years old, this banyan tree preserves many historical memories within itself. Scientists at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow have determined the actual age of what is believed to be the world’s oldest banyan tree. The age of this gigantic tree was examined using the scientific method of “radiocarbon dating.” Scientists claim that there is currently no older living banyan tree anywhere on Earth.

At the invitation of the Bihar State Forest Department, BSIP scientist Dr. Trina Bose and research scholar Avneesh Mishra visited Munger in 2022. There, research began to determine the age of this ancient banyan tree standing in front of a large bungalow within the premises of the Indian Tobacco Company (ITC). To avoid damaging the main trunk, scientists collected samples from a nearby thick stem and a dried aerial root. They used the radiocarbon dating method. After intensive testing that lasted three years, the results obtained in 2025 astonished everyone.

This sampled section alone was found to be 700 years old, making it clear that the original tree is even older. This achievement was a major success for the scientists. The research has recently been published in an international journal.

Dr. Trina Bose explained that identifying the oldest trunk of the banyan tree and obtaining a sample for research was the greatest challenge. Normally, trees develop “annual rings” as they grow, which help determine their age. However, banyan trees do not form these rings, making it difficult to determine their precise age. Because of the absence of rings, scientists had to rely on advanced radiocarbon dating technology, which led to this historic achievement.

Until now, the oldest banyan tree was believed to be in the Siddhabari area near Narora in Bulandshahr. Indian and Romanian scientists had estimated its age at 450 to 500 years. After the discovery of the Munger banyan tree, that tree has now become the second-oldest banyan tree. The third-oldest banyan tree is “The Great Banyan Tree” in Kolkata. Located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden, this tree is estimated to be 250 to 350 years old. In terms of area and spread, it is counted among the largest trees in the world.

According to Dr. Trina Bose, the bungalow in front of which this banyan tree stands appears to date from the early period of the East India Company or the final years of the Mughal era (approximately 300 to 350 years old). Since the tree is more than 700 years old, it is clear that it predates that historic building by several centuries.

It is possible that this tree is the only surviving evidence of a dense natural forest from that era. This study is an important achievement in the scientific dating of ancient trees in tropical regions. Carbon dating technology will not only help determine the age of trees but will also provide new direction for the preservation of natural, historical, and cultural heritage in South Asia and other regions.