US report contradicts previous theories

MYSORE: The much awaited carbon dating report of US-based Beta Analytic Inc, Florida, has come out with the finding that the age of skulls and bones found at Annigeri in Dharwad district is about 90 years old with an error of plus or minus 30 years. This report disputed its predecessor submitted by Prof D P Mohapatra of the Institute of Physics, Odisha, who had estimated the bones to be 638 years old with an error of plus or minus 60 years. Director of Archaeology and Museums Dr R Gopal said that they have taken 1950 as the base while conducting the examination. As per their report, the skulls and bones are at least 120 years old. If 1950 is taken as base, the skulls and bones belong to 1830, he said, adding that they have records to correlate their report.  “We analysed this sample with the combined attention of our entire professional staff on a priority basis. No students or intern researchers were involved in it,” Head of India Operations of Beta Analytic Inc, Andrew Pal, said in the report, a copy which is available with Express. He adds: “The lone sample sent to us provided plenty of carbon for accurate measurement.”