Bhimbetka is an archaeological sites in Madhya Pradesh, where the oldest traces of human life in India were found. The rock shelters and paintings from the Stone Age have an age of up to 9000 years. The area has been recognized by UNESCO as world cultural heritage. Bhimbetka is one of the earliest references of petroglyphs in the world.
The place takes place in one of the most important Indian epics the Mahabharata mention as a place where the hero Bhima.
Location
The rock caves of Bhimbetka located 45 km south of Bhopal on the southern edge of the Vindhyachal survey. South of it lie the mountain ranges of the Satpura. The entire area is covered by dense forests and vegetation. It is rich in natural resources such as water-resistant springs, natural tunnel, a rich forest flora and fauna and has significant similarities to similar rock art sites such as Kakadu National Park in Australia.
Discovery
Just like running in the decision of UNESCO, Bhimbetka was first based in Indian archeological records mentioned on information from local adivasis as a Buddhist site. Much later VS Wakankarl saw on the train to Bhopal rock formations similar to those he had seen in Spain and France. He visited the area together with a team of archaeologists and discovered several prehistoric rock caves.
Since then, more than 700 of these caves have been identified. Of these, 243 in the group Bhimbetka Juares and 178 in the Lakha group. Archaeological investigations revealed a continuous settlement by Stone Age cultures (from the late Acheulian to Middle Stone Age) and the oldest stone walls and floors of the world. The oldest rock paintings probably date from the Mesolithic period. A rough dating of the finds have been made while a detailed Chronologisierung still pending.
Rock art & paintings
The rock caves and caverns of Bhimbetka have lots of interesting paintings on the very lively way the lives of people who lived in these caves as well as represent their natural environment. One of the rocks, which is popularly known as "Zoo Rock" is, elephants, sambar, bison and deer dar. paintings on another rock show a peacock, a snake, a deer and the sun. On another rock are shown with two elephants tusks. In this collection of prehistoric paintings found hunting scenes with hunters also carry the bows and arrows, swords and shields. In one of the caves, a bison is shown that a hunter while his companions pursued here are helpless. In another scene we see riders with archers.
It's a miracle that these paintings have not faded even after thousands of years. It is believed that the color of colored earth, vegetable dyes, roots and animal fats has been established. The brushes were made of plant fibers.
It's a miracle that these paintings have not faded even after thousands of years. It is believed that the color of colored earth, vegetable dyes, roots and animal fats has been established. The brushes were made of plant fibers.
