prehistoric People of measolithic age and horse riders with weapons going for hunting in bhimbetaka cave painting of raisen district of madhya pradesh, India.

horse riders with weapon in bhimbetaka cave painting.

1. Introduction to Bhimbetka Caves

Located about 45 km northeast of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka Caves (2405’N and 76045’E) are a treasure trove of prehistoric art and archaeological remains.
The caves are situated near Bhiyapura village in the Raisen district, surrounded by the northern fringes of the Vindhyachal ranges.

Extensive Complex of Rock Shelters

The Bhimbetka site encompasses an area of about ten square kilometers and contains around 800 rock shelters.
Among these shelters, approximately 500 bear prehistoric paintings.

2. Nomenclature and Legend

Bhimbetka is named after one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata, Bhima, who is said to have taken shelter in these caves.
Nearby places also bear names reminiscent of the Pandava brothers, such as Pandapur and Bhimpura.

Discovery of Bhimbetka Caves

Bhimbetka Caves, a significant archaeological site, were discovered by V.S. Wakankar, an archaeologist from Vikram University, Ujjain in 1957.

Early Discoveries of Indian Rock Paintings

Notably, almost a hundred years earlier, in 1867, rock paintings had been discovered in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The first scientific article on Indian rock paintings was published by J. Cockburn in 1883, highlighting the existence of ancient Indian rock art.
In 1971, two shelters at Bhimbetka were excavated by archaeologists Bajpai, Pandey, and Gour.
The following year, in 1972, Dr. V.S. Wakankar conducted a systematic survey of the wider area, extending from Kari Talai to Jaora.
During this survey, he classified the region into seven topographical areas (I-VII). Period I, Upper Palaeolithic; Period II. Mesolithic; and Period III, Chalcolithic….
Within these areas, clusters of shelters were labeled alphabetically, and individual shelters were numbered with Arabic numerals.
Dr. Wakankar's classification system remains in use today, facilitating the identification and study of the various shelters in the Bhimbetka region.
This survey revealed a total of 700 shelters in the area, with 243 shelters located in the Bhimbetka group.
The Lakha Juar Group, located nearby, was found to be equally rich in rock paintings, boasting 178 shelters spread over two hills.

Bhimbetka's Mention as a Buddhist Site

In 1888, Bhimbetka was first mentioned as a Buddhist site based on information obtained from local adivasis (indigenous people).

4. Rock Art at Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka is a natural art gallery with rock paintings dating back as early as 10,000 years ago.
The paintings span various historical periods, including the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, Early Historic, and Medieval eras.

5. Diverse Subjects and Styles

The rock paintings depict a wide range of subjects, including hunting scenes, dancing, horse and elephant riders, animal fights, honey collection, and more.
Animals such as bison, tiger, rhinoceros, and various birds are abundantly represented in the artwork.

6. Evolution of Artistic Styles

Bhimbetka's rock art reveals the evolution of artistic styles and the changing way of life of prehistoric people.
Styles progress from linear representations to more complex and detailed depictions, reflecting the development of the prehistoric society.

7. Historical Significance

Bhimbetka's rock art serves as a valuable record of prehistoric life, including clothing, social interactions, and cultural practices.
It documents the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities.

8. Other Archaeological Remains

In addition to rock art, Bhimbetka features various archaeological remains, including ruins of a citadel, mini stupas, rock-cut beds used by Buddhist monks, inscriptions, and architectural elements from different historical periods.
Stone tools discovered at the site provide insights into the changing needs and adaptations of prehistoric people.
The use of various colors by the artists of Bhimbetka is indeed fascinating and provides valuable insights into the artistic practices of ancient times. The preservation of these colors over thousands of years is a testament to the durability of the materials they used and the environmental conditions in the area.
The artists of Bhimbetka used many colours, including various shades of white,yellow, orange, red ochre, purple, brown,green and black. But white and red were their favorite colours.

1. Haematite (Geru): Haematite is a reddish-brown mineral and a common source of red ochre. It has been used as a pigment in various ancient art forms around the world due to its vibrant red color. The iron oxide present in haematite is responsible for its red hue.

2. Chalcedony: Chalcedony is a type of microcrystalline quartz that can come in various colors, including green. Green chalcedony was used as a source of green pigment in the Bhimbetka art. The coloration of chalcedony may have been related to trace elements or impurities within the mineral.

3. Limestone: Limestone, which is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate, is likely to have been used to create white pigment. When ground into a fine powder, limestone can provide a bright white color.

Preparation of Paints: The process of making paints involved grinding these rocks and minerals into a fine powder. To create a workable paint, the powdered material would have been mixed with water and likely some binding agents such as animal fat, gum, or resin from trees. These binding agents helped the paint adhere to the rock surfaces and possibly contributed to its longevity.

Brushes: Brushes made of plant fibers were used for applying these paints. Plant fibers were readily available and suitable for the application of the pigments.

Preservation: The remarkable preservation of these colors can be attributed to a combination of factors. The chemical composition of the pigments, such as iron oxide in haematite, might have contributed to their resilience. Additionally, the sheltered rock shelters at Bhimbetka would have protected the artwork from direct exposure to harsh weather conditions, helping to prevent rapid deterioration. Over time, a natural patina may have formed on the surface of the rock art, offering some protection to the underlying colors.

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