Bhimbetka: Time Capsule

Concealed in the rocky terrain of the Vindhyas, amid dense forests and jagged cliffs, lie the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, an archaeological site believed to date from the Paleolithic era. Over 600 rock shelters have been discovered in this complex, which preserves evidence from habitations that existed aeons ago, in the form of cave art. The vivid paintings on the walls of the rock shelters depict the lives of ancient Indian cave dwellers and can be classified under seven different epochs of time, ranging from the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Age, to the early historic and medieval periods. Protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhimbetka is a World Heritage Site.

Rock shelters at Bhimbetka

Shobhna Iyer

Of the five main groups of shelters, the one on Bhimbetka hill is easily accessible and even visible from the national highway. One of the first paintings you will see here is of a child’s handprint in red – the first evidence of human presence at these shelters. In fact, there is even a trench here in which human skeletal remains were reportedly discovered.

There are representations of various scenes from the lives and imaginations of the cave dwellers who painted these evocative images. Commonplace events such as dancing, celebrations, animal fights and battles inspire many a depiction. There are also a few symbols that are repeated often in the paintings. The first of these is one of human stick figures engaging in different activities. The most captivating specimen is exhibit six, a painting of a celebratory scene – stick figures dancing around a central figure, who is playing a musical instrument. Animal imagery is another common trope. Hunting and fighting scenes are recurrent symbols. One example of this is the drawing of an elephant and a bull, wounded by the arrow of a hunter. These figures have been superimposed on an earlier drawing of a horse rider facing a soldier. This goes to show how the same canvas was used by different people at different times. Paintings of cavaliers, soldiers and horse and elephant riders are all evidences of fighting scenes. Painting number seven shows two riders engaged in a fight.

Entry Indians ₹25; Foreigners ₹250 Timings 6.30am-5.30pm

TIP A walk around these shelters will take an hour. Carrying an insect repellent is a good idea because the area is still primarily forested

The only painting in the caves showing, “a man” being hunted by a beast, a horned boar

Courtesy Wikipedia

There is only one option to stay at Bhimbetka – the Highway Treat (Tel: 07480-281558; Tariff: ₹2,590). Run by MP Tourism, this hotel has three rooms and a restaurant.

When to go October-March Location Surrounded by the northern fringe of the Vindhya Range, 46 km south of Bhopal Air Nearest airport: Bhopal Rail Nearest rail: Bhopal