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What is the significance of Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka?
The rock shelters located of Bhimbetka located in the state of Madhya Pradesh holds a very important place in pre-historic studies with over 300 paintings in the site of Bhimbetka. The site of Bhimbetka has stood the test of time and remains an important testimony to the human activities that happened hundred thousands of years ago.
These paintings help in understanding the life of a pre-historic man. The credit for its discovery goes to VS Wakankar. Bhimbetka as a site is blessed with the extraordinary natural environment. It is still home to a variety of flora and fauna which had indirectly influenced the depiction in the paintings.
Background and role of nature in these paintings
The paintings at Bhimbetka have been studies by many scholars like V.S. Wakankar, Yashodhar Mathpal, and Erwin Neumayer. It was Mathpal who categorized the paintings into different phases and sub-phases. The three prominent phases which have been identified are Mesolithic, transitional and historical.
There are sixteen different forms of shades and colors which have been identified out of which white and red are the prominent ones. The red color must have been prepared from geru (iron oxide), green from green chalcedony, and white from limestone. These paintings highlight the strength of natural pigments that have stood the test of time.
The archaeologists have found almost 29 varieties of species depicted over here including elephant, deer, leopard, panther, squirrel, etc. Thus, nature remains the predominant theme in these paintings.
Other aspects of the paintings
The paintings also depict matchstick figures of men and women. It is very interesting to note that the division of labor can be reflected in the paintings of Bhimbetka. Scenes from day to day life like hunting, dancing and even some sex scenes are portrayed in these paintings.
There are scenes with people collecting fruits and honey. Baskets like containers are also shown in some scenes.
Objects discovered
There have been bones of animals and also stone tools discovered at these sites. The site highlights the gradual reduction in the size of the tools. The Mesolithic tools found at Bhimbetka include geometric microliths like trapezes and crescents, blades, etc.
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