Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.
Bhimbetka reflects a long interaction between people and the landscape, as demonstrated in the quantity and quality of its rock art. Bhimbetka is closely associated with a hunting and gathering economy as demonstrated in the rock art and in the relicts of this tradition in the local adivasi villages on the periphery of this site.
The rock shelters and caves of Bhimbetka have several interesting paintings and most of the paintings depict the life and times of the people who lived in these caves, including scenes of childbirth, communal dancing and drinking, and religious rites and burials and also the natural environment around them.
It is a marvel that the paintings have not faded even after thousands of years. It is believed that these paints were made of colored earth, vegetable dyes, roots and animal fat. Brushes were made of pieces of fibrous plants. Because of the natural red and white pigments the painters used, the colors have been remarkably well preserved. The oldest paintings are believed to be 12,000 years old, but some of the geometric figures date to as recently as the medieval period.
Based on the type of tools used in rock paintings, the rock shelters of Bhimbetka display the chronological evolution of prehistoric man. Bhimbetka is filled with natural art and is a great source of joy for archaeologist. These outstanding paintings can be found even on the ceilings of rock shelters which are at frightening heights. |
