The Great Banyan Tree: An Overview
The Great Banyan Tree, located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, India, is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. This tree, scientifically classified as Ficus benghalensis, is not only a botanical marvel but also a cultural and historical symbol of resilience and interconnectedness. Below is a detailed exploration of this remarkable tree.
Location and Historical Background
The Great Banyan Tree resides within the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, which spans 273 acres and was established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd of the East India Company. Initially created for cultivating commercially viable plants like spices, tea, and teak wood, the garden has since evolved into a repository of over 12,000 plant specimens from across the globe.
The tree itself is estimated to be at least 250 years old, with some sources suggesting it could be even older. It has been referenced in travelogues dating back to the 19th century. The tree’s origins are tied to its growth on a wild date palm before spreading into its current massive form.
Physical Characteristics of The Great Banyan Tree
Size and Canopy
- The Great Banyan Tree covers an area of approximately 18,918 square meters (4.67 acres).
- Its canopy circumference measures about 486 meters (1,594 feet).
- The highest branch rises to a height of 24.5 meters (80 feet).
- It has over 3,772 aerial roots that have reached the ground and act as prop roots.
From afar, it appears more like a dense forest than an individual tree due to its vast network of aerial roots that resemble separate trunks.
Main Trunk Removal
In 1925, after being struck by two cyclones in the 19th century (1864 and 1867), the main trunk became infected with fungi. To save the rest of the tree from decay, its original trunk—measuring about 51 feet in girth—was removed. Despite losing its main trunk, the tree continued to thrive through its aerial roots.
Resilience Through Adversity
The Great Banyan Tree has survived numerous challenges:
- Cyclones: It endured three major cyclones—in 1864, 1867, and Cyclone Amphan in May 2020—which caused damage to some branches and aerial roots.
- Fungal Infections: A fungal infection led to significant decay in its main trunk during the early 20th century.
- Environmental Threats: Pollution from nearby areas posed risks to its health; however, conservation efforts have ensured its survival.
Despite these adversities, it continues to grow outward beyond human-made boundaries such as roads built around it.
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Cultural Significance of The Great Banyan Tree
The banyan tree holds deep symbolic meaning in Indian culture:
- It is considered sacred in Hinduism and associated with Lord Vishnu.
- Known as “the walking tree,” it symbolizes immortality due to its ability to propagate through aerial roots even after parts of it die off.
- It serves as India’s National Tree and represents resilience and interconnectedness.
Historically, banyans were gathering places for communities under their expansive shade—a tradition that continues today with visitors flocking to see this natural wonder.
Tourism and Accessibility
The Great Banyan Tree attracts thousands of tourists annually:
- Visitors can explore a road built around its circumference measuring about 330 meters (1,083 feet).
- While most visitors view it from the perimeter due to dense inner tangles of roots and branches, markers indicate where the original trunk once stood.
- The best time for visiting is between September and March when temperatures are moderate.
The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden itself offers additional attractions such as rare plant species like orchids, palms, cacti, aquatic plants, bougainvillea flowers—and even sightings of local wildlife like jackals or mongoose.
Recognition of The Great Banyan Tree
In 1989, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized The Great Banyan Tree as having:
- The largest canopy cover among trees worldwide.
- The widest span by area covered by any single living organism at that time.
Although surpassed by Thimmamma Marrimanu (another banyan tree) for total size later on, 1 The Great Banyan remains iconic for its unique structure without a central trunk.
Environmental Importance
Banyans play critical roles ecologically:
- They provide shelter for birds like mynas or parrots and mammals such as bats or monkeys.
- Their figs serve as food sources during times when other resources are scarce.
- Their vast root systems prevent soil erosion while supporting biodiversity within their ecosystems.
Efforts continue today to protect this living monument from threats like pollution or disease through careful monitoring by botanists at the garden.2
In summary, the Great Banyan Tree stands not only as a testament to nature’s adaptability but also as an enduring symbol of resilience amidst adversity. Its sprawling canopy inspires awe while teaching lessons about interconnectedness—both ecological and cultural—making it one of India’s most treasured natural landmarks.3 4
