Chhattisgarh’s Rock Art Sites

Chhattisgarh is one of the most picturesque states in India. The state is also home to some of the oldest and most interesting rock paintings in the country. These paintings are an important part of India’s cultural heritage and offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of this region. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these amazing rock art sites, and explore the speciality of Chhattisgarh’s rock painting tradition!

Rock Art in Chhattisgarh

There are many temples in Chhattisgarh, which is the most visited state in India. The recently formed state carved out of Madhya Pradesh has a distinct geographic and educational uniqueness shared by six surrounding states: Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Chhattisgarh has a lot of intact human and natural resources, making it an appealing prospect. The state’s abundant mineral deposits, energy reserves, forests, water sources, and agricultural land are some of the richest in India.

Human resources are a comprehensive set of environmental capabilities and expertise. The state is rich in cultural heritage, monuments, rock art sites, and archaeological relics. Nonetheless, to date, many rock art locations have not been adequately explored. The Chhattisgarh Department of Culture and Archaeology is currently involved in several projects that will bring the state’s history and archaeological heritage into the limelight both nationally and internationally, as well as increase tourism.

The speciality of Rock Art 

The first form of art in the Stone Age was rock art. Rock shelters were used by prehistoric people as dwellings, and they produced paintings and engravings on their walls and ceilings. A. Carlleyle discovered the cave paintings at Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh) rock shelters in the 19th century, although they had been previously noted. Since then, over 150 rock art sites have been discovered, with a concentration in central India and central Uttar Pradesh.

The chronology of rock art in India is a subject of dispute, owing to its lengthy history and themes, and styles. While some experts think that the paintings and drawings using green pigments are the earliest; others believe that dating them based on their themes and styles is a more accurate method to resolve the chronological issues. Prehistoric, Neolithic-Chalcolithic, and Historic are the three-time periods of rock art based on subject and style.

Prehistoric rock art, on the other hand, is characterised by images of animals and hunting and gathering activities, whereas the Neolithic-Chalcolithic period exposes a peek into the prehistoric settlements’ sedentary way of life. The third stage of the Neolithic period, known as Illuminations, includes pictures of farming and domestic animals. Rock art from the ancient age featured a range of themes, such as warriors and weapons.

In the rock arts, a variety of hues (or tints) have been recognized, with red and white being popular. These colours were natural in origin and comprised minerals that were mixed with water for better application. To create art, they used twigs, animal tails, and fur to apply these colours to rock surfaces.

Rock Art sites in Chhattisgarh and things preserved in them:

The rock art sites in Chhattisgarh are mainly located in the Raipur and Dhamtari districts. The paintings found here are done in natural colours that have been preserved over the years. The themes of these paintings include hunting, animals, birds, and human figures. Some of the most well-known rock art sites in Chhattisgarh are:

Bhimbetka: The Bhimbetka rock shelters are located in the Satpura Range of central India. These shelters have more than 700 paintings, which depict the life of prehistoric people. The paintings here date back to 12,000 BCE and include scenes of hunting, dancing, and religious rituals.

Kondagaon: The Kondagaon rock paintings are located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. These paintings date back to the Neolithic period and depict animals, humans, and geometric designs.

Muria: The Muria tribe is a tribal group that lives in the Chhattisgarh state of India. They are known for their traditional dance form, which includes painting their bodies with white and red stripes. This tradition is thought to have originated from their rock art heritage. The Muria people have a rich history of rock art, with over 100 sites having been discovered in the area. The paintings here depict hunting scenes, animals, birds, and human figures.

Bilaspur: The Bilaspur rock paintings are located in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. These paintings date back to the Neolithic period and depict animals, humans, and geometric designs.

The rock art sites in Chhattisgarh are a testimony to the state’s rich history and cultural heritage. These sites provide valuable insights into the life and times of the prehistoric people who once lived in this region. The paintings here are not only beautiful but also hold a great deal of significance. I hope you get a chance to see these sites for yourself and appreciate the beauty of Chhattisgarh’s rock art.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the rock art sites in Chhattisgarh are a testimony to the state’s rich history and cultural heritage. These sites provide valuable insight into the lives of prehistoric people and their way of life. The paintings here are an important part of India’s cultural heritage and should be preserved for future generations.