Mesolithic Rock Paintings in India

Introduction

In the distant past, when there was no paper, language, or written records, ancient human lives were documented through tools, pottery, habitats, bones of humans and animals, and most importantly, cave paintings. These rock paintings provide a window into the lifestyle, activities, and mindset of prehistoric humans.

Locations of Mesolithic Rock Paintings

Rock paintings from the Mesolithic period have been discovered in several parts of India, including:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Andhra Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Bihar
• Uttarakhand (in the Kumaon hills, such as Lakhudiyar)

These paintings allow us to understand the daily life, food habits, and rituals of the people who created them, offering a glimpse into their world.

Themes and Purpose of the Paintings

Once early humans fulfilled their basic needs for food, water, clothing, and shelter, they felt the urge to express their creativity. These rock paintings may have served several purposes, such as:

• Decorating their homes
• Telling stories through pictures
• Recording daily activities or memorable events

The primitive artists seemed to have a passion for storytelling, and some paintings may have been linked to rituals related to hunting or fertility.

Rock Paintings at Bhimbetka

The Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh house some of the richest Mesolithic rock paintings, particularly at Bhimbetka, which contains about 800 rock shelters, 500 of which feature rock paintings. These paintings depict a wide range of activities such as:

• Hunting
• Dancing
• Music
• Riding animals like horses and elephants
• Animal fighting
• Honey collection
• Body decoration
• Household scenes

Colors and Techniques Used

The artists at Bhimbetka used a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red ochre, purple, brown, green, and black. The colors were made by grinding minerals and rocks:

• Red was obtained from haematite
• Green came from a stone called chalcedony
• White was derived from limestone

Brushes were likely made from twigs, animal fur, or plant fibers.

Common Themes in Mesolithic Paintings

1. Hunting Scenes:
   Hunting is a predominant theme in these paintings. Hunters are shown in groups or individually, sometimes wearing masks or headdresses. They are depicted using various weapons like spears, bows, arrows, and traps.
2. Animal Depictions:
   Animals were a central subject, with 29 species depicted, including deer, leopards, tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and antelopes. These animals were shown either in hunting scenes or in peaceful settings, sometimes displaying a tender and affectionate relationship with humans.
3. Human Activities:
   Men, women, and children are shown in daily life activities, including gathering food, preparing meals, and dancing. Men are often depicted hunting, while women are portrayed gathering and preparing food, reflecting a division of labor based on gender.

Layered Paintings and Rituals

In some places, paintings were created in layers, with newer ones painted over older artworks. This could indicate the sacred significance of certain sites, or it may reflect how different generations of people used the same locations over time.

Paintings in Rock Shelter 8, Bhimbetka, India

Conclusion

The Mesolithic rock paintings of India, especially at Bhimbetka, offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of prehistoric humans. These paintings, through their artistic expression and symbolism, provide valuable insights into the social structure, activities, and spiritual life of early human societies.