Beyond the Syllabus: 5 unsolved mysteries of India

Yes, we know that science and research have come a long way. However, there are still some mysteries which have managed to baffle even the most informed scientists. We agree that there is a logical explanation to every event that occurs in the world. But, in this article we will mention some events and incidents for which, at the moment, we will have to settle with mere speculations.

India with its rich mythology, vast size and many cultural peculiarities as well as legends, is a fertile ground for mysterious, nerve wrecking tales which may or may not be true.

In this edition of Beyond the Syllabus, Shiksha.com lists out and explains every facet of some unsolved mysteries in the country of Gods – India.

Jodhpur Boom

On December 18, 2012, the city of Jodhpur witnessed a sudden, deafening sound which resembled a massive explosion. Eyewitnesses reveal that it seemed to come out of nowhere. They further described the sound to be some sort of a sonic boom which was much greater in its impact than that of an airplane breaking at the speed of sound.

Initially it was felt that the sound may have been produced due to a plane crash or explosion but on asking around it was discovered that nothing of this sort had occurred in or around the city of Jodhpur. The source of the “Jodhpur boom” till date is a complete mystery.

Adding fuel to fire, during the same month in which the Jodhpur boom occurred, similar occurrences were recorded all over the world, from UK to Texas. These ‘boom’ sounds were witnessed over the course of several weeks and sometimes they were accompanied with strange green light.

At one of the locations, a geologist (who does not want to be identified) revealed that the booms and subsequent tremors were unlike anything he had ever encountered. He also said that the events that occurred did not fit the explanation given by authorities, that the Air Force was testing a new plane.
So, what were these strange sounds that were heard all over the world? Were they connected with each other in some way? Was some nation testing some strange new weapon or was it an alien attack or just a natural occurrence? Well, we live with a hope that we would find the answers, some day!

Lost river – Saraswati

Saraswati in Hindu mythology is the river after which the Goddess of learning and knowledge is named. Scholars, archeologists as well as researchers believe that this mighty river rose in the Yamdhar Glacier in the Himalayas, barely five kilometers from the sources of Yamuna as well as Ganga. Further, various studies reveal that, Saraswati flowed as a beautiful stream in the Doon Valley and then gushed through Uttaranchal, touching Yamunanagar in Haryana and Sirsa, Hanumangarh, Suratgarh and Anupgarh in Rajasthan. Scholars believe that the river passed through the tri-junction of south-west Rajasthan, Kutch and the border of south-east Pakistan. Finally, the left arm of Saraswati entered Gujarat, where she emptied into the Gulf of Cambay.

Researchers also believe that the glorious Indus Valley Civilization, which disappeared some 4000 years ago, had a lot of dependence on the Saraswati river which served as the major trade route for the pre-historic cities of Mohen-jo-Daro and Lothal.

So what happened at that time, which lead to the disappearance of the mighty river Saraswati along with the most advanced civilization?

It is believed that huge earthquakes or tectonic movement of the layers of the earth took place some 4000 years ago and the river Saraswati changed its course towards the east leaving the rest of its waters to pool into lakes in Gujarat or vanished into the Rann of Kutch and the deserts of Rajasthan.

Much work has been done to find the river Saraswati, with excavations and re-digging of extinct water canals of the river taking place. Scholars have even employed satellite tracking of its underground waters and tried to take pictures of its remaining streams and pools to find answers to the sudden disappearance of the river. But as of today, it is a mystery which researchers are desperately trying to solve.

Village Of Twins

A small and distant village in Kerala called Kodinhi has a secret which it cannot hide. The village has only 2,000 families living there and has 250 sets of twins officially registered there. However, researchers reveal that there could be as many as 350 sets of twins born to members of the families residing in Kodinhi and this number in increasing with each passing year and no one knows the reason behind this mystery.

India as a country does not witness the birth of many twins. Official data reveal that on an average, four out of every 1,000 Indian births are twins. However, in Kodinhi, the number is 45 for every 1,000 births.

Even doctors are clueless and are not able to point a finger on why this phenomenon is occurring. Scientists believe that it may be because of some unknown hereditary factor or maybe it is due to something they eat. This sure is one mystery we would want to see solved soon.

UFO Base at Kongka La Pass

One of the least accessible places in the world – The Kongka La Pass in Ladakh area lies on the disputed border (area) of India and China. The area is considered to be a no man’s land and neither of the army patrols it or occupies it.

But this is not why we are talking about this area located in the Himalayas. If the locals of this area are to be believed the Kongka La Pass is used as a UFO base. Many travelers and residents of nearby areas have claimed that UFOs are a common sight in the area and anyone who is interested can come to this place and witness flying saucers rising from their underground lairs and descending back once they have completed their tasks.

Locals even reveal that both the Indian and Chinese armies are aware of what’s going on and it seems that they want to keep their peace flags posted before the extraterrestrials. However, the most mind-boggling aspect is if you search the area on Google Earth, then you would find that some underground entrances can be seen around Kongka La Pass and it even has some structures which resemble the ones which are built around military facilities.

Aleya Ghost Lights

So, if you are a traveler who loves to explore new places, we suggest that you stay far-far away from the swamps of Bengal. Rumours suggest that apart from all the regular dangers of a swamp, Aleya has some paranormal peril. The ‘Aleya Ghost Lights’ are considered to be similar to will-o’-the-wisps, known the world over as – ghost lights. They are flying, glowing orbs that float above the marshland and are known to lure unwary travelers towards them.

As per local lore and legends, the Aleya Ghost Lights are the souls of fishermen who died accidentally in the area and anyone who is stupid or careless enough to approach them either dies or goes insane.

However, scientists do not believe these to be true and say that these ghost lights are nothing but gases that are produced by the decaying organic matter present in the swamps. Once these gases rise to the surface, they come in contact with oxygen and due to their oxidisation and ionisation an ominous photon glow is created in the air. Explaining further about the different colours of these glowing lights, scholars reveal that the gases which are produced are different in nature and so their oxidisation leads to the production of different coloured spooky lights.

Whatever, people may say, we advise that stay as far away from such things as you can because mystery or not, we do not want to experience any unnatural happening, do we?