Earth was born at midnight on this 24-hour clock, 4.5 billion years ago, but its violent history began well before that, when huge ancient stars that had reached the ends of their lives exploded.

How the World Was Born: Wondrous Indian Myths and Legends, Lopamudra Maitra, Aleph Book Company. We welcome your comments at letters@scroll.in . Lopamudra Maitra ...