Rock art in pre historic stages in central India

Rock art in pre-historic stages in central India

 Rock art refers to the practice of creating images or designs on natural rock surfaces. These images can take many forms, including paintings, engravings, or carvings, and can be created using a variety of techniques and materials. Rock art can be found in many parts of the world, including Central India, and is often associated with prehistoric cultures.

In Central India, rock art can be found in several sites such as the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rock art is believed to be between 12,000 and 30,000 years old and is considered to be some of the oldest surviving rock art in India. The rock art at Bhimbetka depicts a wide variety of subjects, including animals, human figures, and geometric designs. The paintings are primarily in red and white color, with the use of ochre and manganese also.

Another notable site for rock art in Central India is the Kupgal petroglyphs in Chhattisgarh, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kupgal petroglyphs are believed to be between 4,000 and 6,000 years old and are considered to be some of the oldest surviving rock art in India. The Kupgal petroglyphs are characterized by their intricate designs, which include a wide variety of animals, human figures, and geometric patterns. The rock art found here is mainly in the form of engravings on granite rock surfaces.

The rock art found in Central India can be divided into several different styles, each of which is believed to be associated with a different period or culture. One of the most prominent styles is Mesolithic art, which is characterized by its use of naturalistic representations of animals and humans, as well as its use of bright colors. Mesolithic art is believed to be associated with the early hunter-gatherer cultures of the region.

Another style of rock art found in Central India is Neolithic art, which is characterized by its use of abstract and geometric designs. Neolithic art is believed to be associated with the early agricultural cultures of the region.

The rock art found in Central India can also be divided into several different techniques, including painting, engraving, and carving. The painting technique is the most common and is characterized by the use of pigments such as ochre and manganese. The engraving technique is characterized by the use of sharp tools to incise designs into the rock surface, while the carving technique involves the use of chisels or hammers to create deeper, three-dimensional images.

The rock art found in Central India can also be divided into several different contexts, including religious, ritual, and secular. Religious rock art depicts the religious practices, beliefs, and rituals of the people of that time. The ritual rock art shows the rituals and ceremonies that were practiced by the people. Secular rock art depicts the daily life, hunting, and other activities of the people.

In conclusion, the rock art found in Central India provides a glimpse into the lives and cultures of prehistoric peoples who lived in the region. These rock paintings and engravings offer valuable insights into the beliefs, customs, and daily lives of ancient cultures and are considered to be one of the most important cultural heritage of India. They are also a great source of inspiration for artists, researchers, and historians, as well as being a unique tourist attraction. Rock art in Central India is an important part of the cultural heritage of the region and should be preserved for future generations to appreciate and understand.