Bhimbetka

History
Bhimbetka, which is also famously known as 'the rock shelters', is located 46 km South of Bhopal. The Vindhya ranges' northern borders surround it. In this rocky terrain of dense forest and craggy cliffs, over 600 rock shelters belonging to the Neolithic age were recently unearthed. Here, in an intense breathtaking detail, the paintings in over 500 caves depict the life of the pre-historic cave dwellers. This great historical unfolding now makes Bhimbetka an archaeological treasure, a priceless chronicle in the history of mankind and also a world heritage site as reported by UNESCO.

The paintings are done mostly in red and white colour. However, the occasional use of green and yellow, is also done. The themes were taken from their daily events, The paintings usually depicted hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and household scenes. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions, wild boar, elephants, deer, antelopes, dogs, monkeys, lizards, crocodiles etc. have been abundantly depicted. In some caves, popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently.

Over these caves the Stone Age artists were expressive enough to paint their optimisms and anxieties, which was an enchantment that still enthrall us. These specimen, display great vitality and narrative skill. One sees on the weather worn walls, rhinoceros, elephants, horses, as well as domestic animals. There are scenes of domestic bliss-a women with a child or performing household chores, and documentation of a hunt, raid during warfare.

Geographical Location
Bhimbetka's 'rock shelters' lie 45 km south of Bhopal, and are located at the southern edge of the Vindhya Range hills. The south of these rock shelters is the Satpura mountain ranges. The entire area is covered with thick forests and vegetation. It has abundant natural resources like constant supply of water, natural shelters and the rich forest flora and fauna.

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