Well before 1817: scientists are intrigued by 'proof' of the ancient origin of bicycles; understand

The discovery of an ancient mural in India has intrigued many curious minds, as it depicts the image of a person walking on a bicycle.

What makes this even more intriguing is the fact that the mural dates back to the 19th and 12th centuries, almost thousand years before the invention of bicycles as we know it.

The mural was created during the rule of the Chola Empire in India, an era known for its notable contributions to literature and architecture.

So far, no historical records have been found that link the emperors of the time to the invention or use of bicycles. This raised the question about the date of origin of this vehicle.

Some conspiracy theories suggest that this mural could be evidence that the Indians They already rode bicycles long before Europeans claimed their invention in the 19th century.

The discovery fuels debate and speculation about the history of the bicycle and its possible existence, in eras much older than the traditionally confirmed historical record.

Did bicycles appear in India?

The primitive bicycle, which gave rise to those known today, is credited to Karl Von Drais, a German baron who invented the object in 1817.

The first model was built with wood and worked through impulses given by the feet on the ground, better known as a “hobby horse”.

(Image: Christophel Fine Art/Getty Images/Reproduction)

The invention, therefore, occurred in a historical period of challenges in Europe, including problems with food transport.

Bicycle performance plays an important role in overcoming such adversities, providing a more efficient mobility solution.

Twenty years after their invention, in 1839, pedals were introduced by Kirkpatrick MacMillan, a Scottish blacksmith.

The controversy surrounding the image of the bicycle in an ancient temple finds a simple Indian explanation.

Ophthalmologist and amateur researcher, R. Kalaikovan, was intrigued by the representation of a bicycle in an ancient temple and decided to investigate its origin further.

During the research, it was discovered that the place where the mural was located underwent renovation in 1920.

During this period, bicycles were a novelty in the region and may have profoundly affected the sculptor responsible for the mural. The impact would have motivated the artist to represent the new means of transport in his work.

Therefore, the representation of bicycles in the mural is not an appeal that they existed long before, but rather an artistic testimony to the influence of contemporary innovations in art and culture.

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