Despite its suavely mantastic appeal, the handlebar mustache is constantly under threat. Like the tiger or the noble narwhal, it takes many years to make a handlebar mustache, but only seconds to shave it off. The result is that with every lost handlebar, the 'stache inches ever closer to extinction.

That's why it's so sad to read that the famous beards and handlebars of India are disappearing as the world's largest democracy enters the smooth-skinned digital age.

According to a new book, the traditional belief in India that the mustache is a sign of virility is dying out, and young people do not want to wear the old-fashioned facial hair of their fathers.

"Hair India: A Guide to the Bizarre Beards and Magnificent Moustaches of Hindustan" by Richard McCallum says that most well-known Indian cricket players do not have beards or mustaches, and that the trend in Bollywood is for Euro-style designer stubble of the George Michael variety.

"Beards and moustaches tell the story of modern India -- how it is becoming a more Westernised, homogenised place, but also how the great traditions and the love of display still exist," McCallum told the AFP news agency.

And so, alas, the world becomes a darker place -- one lost mustache at a time. But before it's too late, why not check out our favorite handlebar mustaches below?

The Most Stunning Handlebar Mustaches

    Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche

    Nietsche.com

    Rocker Eugene Hutz

    Artist Leroy Neiman

    Getty Images

    President William Taft

    Keystone View Co. / AP

    World Mustache Champion Willi Chevalier

    Getty Images

    Our muse, Rollie Fingers

    Glenn Hughes of The Village People (sporting what is often called a "biker handlebar")

    CBS Archive / Getty Images

    Prussian Minister Albrecht von Roon

    wikipedia.com

    Hall of Fame relief pitcher Goose Gossage

    Richard Drew, AP

    Bad Guy Dick Dastardly

    Everett Collection