What has IIT Delhi created?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi created a "time capsule" that can hold over 750 letters or postcards. The general public was asked to write about their vision for India in 2047, which was then placed in a time capsule. The time capsule will be opened 24 years later.
The letters will be used to compare what the people predicted about 2047 and what actually happened.
What is a time capsule?
A time capsule is a container that contains current-day data, photos, and artefacts and is buried underground for future generations to find. They are usually made of materials such as aluminium and stainless steel to keep the contents from getting destroyed.
The name "time capsule" was developed in the 20th century, but the oldest known specimen dates back to 1777 and was discovered by historians in 2017 during repair work on a Spanish cathedral.
What are some famous time capsules?
Many well-known time capsules have been found all around the world. The Massachusetts State House time capsule, buried in 1795 and discovered in 2014, is the earliest known time capsule in the United States of America (USA). When it first opened in 2015, it contained antiquities such as newspapers and coins dating back to the 1600s.
"Expo 70" is another well-known time capsule. In 1970, two-time capsules were buried near Osaka Castle, Japan. The lower one was buried for 5,000 years and the upper one was opened for the first time in 2000 and will be opened every 100 years thereafter.
India also has multiple time capsules, the most famous of which was buried outside the Red Fort in 1972. It was supposed to be buried for 1,000 years but was opened in 1977. There were written records, data, and artefacts inside this capsule.
What did we learn from this article?
We learned how time capsules can be used to preserve knowledge and objects for future generations. Through the various messages, art, or objects stored in time capsules, future generations can gain a better understanding of the past.
