BHIMBHETKA CAVES Location : 45 kms From Bhopal Famous As : World Heritage Site Major Attraction : Rock Paintings Belonging to Paleolithic Age Other Highlights : Rock Formation, Caves

Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat Pachmarhi

Bhopal

Panna Diamond Mines

This is Where the Oldest Resides

Archaeological sites of Madhya Pradesh invites to embrace one of the world's oldest evidence of mankind. Here one can learn the art of watching the rocks speak. A language that dates back to the paleolithic age. The Bhimbhetka caves are the shelters to the one of the earliest traces of human life. Madhya Pradesh tourism gives you a chance to go back 35,000 years in time by preserving the caves depicting paintings that are vigilant of the cultural catenation from the Stone Age to the early historic period. Clandestine in the massive forest of Teaks and Sal, in the jagged hills, these historic remains were unveiled by an archaeologist, Dr Wakankar from Ujjain, and today UNESCO has declared these caves to be a world heritage site.
This collection of India's pre historic art, there are more than 700 rock shelters out of which only 15 are open for general public. This archaeological treasure is located 45 kms from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

Denotation of Historic Lives

Bhimbhetka caves have believes to derive its name from the Pandava brother Bhima, who are believed to have resided here during their seclusion. The paintings on the rocks in the caves depict the activities from the everyday lives of the people. Notice the melange of the red and white with a tinge of green and yellow here and there. Portraying the various moods of people like fear, anger, and even hopes, these paintings weave a web of hypnotism than still benet us. One can also witness the images of animals that too hold some attraction. These paintings display the talent, of converting narration into paintings, that was embedded in the people of those times. You will be amazed to discover the obvious developments in the lives of hums through the painting. These paintings have very well captured the transition and growth of human from one stage to the other. Manganese, Hematite, Soft Red Stone and Wooden Coal and sometimes, even animal fat and leaves were amalgamated to extract the colours. The colours used in the painting were Thanks to the chemical reaction resulting from the oxide present on the surface of the rocks, for keeping the colours of the paintings intact.

One must visit the Zoo Rock cave, which is the most famous among all the 750 caves. These rocks have painting as old as 10,000 BC. Depicting paintings of various animals like elephants, antelopes and horses. Another aspect that one must notice other than the paintings is the cave formation. You will be amazed to see the unique cave formation that resembles a shape of a tortoise and whose entrance replicates the mouth of a snake. The caves vary in sizes as well. Some are very small while some can accommodate a crowd of 100 people. Move around with utmost care and contemplation an try to understand the magical history these rocks want to convey.

The Stages of Cro-Magnon Life

These superposed images belong to the different period of history. Bifurcation according to the history and art spans have been done and as an outcome these caves have been divided into seven different periods of history. The period is easily distinguish through the paintings - Period one or Upper Paleolithic has been classified as the paintings with linear representations of red and white concentrating more on animals like bison, tigers and rhinoceros.The Second period or Mesolithic then moves on from only animals, to human and animals. Though smaller in size as compared to the first period, these pictures had constricted decorations. Hunting scenes were explained offering a very clear picture of the weapons. Depiction of the early social life of the people is also depicted. The inclusion of music and dance also depicted here.The Third period or Chaleolithic, reflects the practice of agriculture and farming among the communities. According to the paintings, in this age these Stone Age men embraced social life and from vagrants life they start getting settled at particular locations. The Fourth and Fifth period comprise as the Early History, whither the figures have ornamental style. Belief in religion, in the form of Yakshas, tree gods and magical chariots is also visible in figures. This group also showcases association of riders and tremendous use of red, yellow and green is apparent, which is worth your attention.The Sixth and Seventh is referred as the Mediveal age, where one can see a tremendous leap in artistic patterns. The paintings now have become more schematic and geometric, but one can also see crudeness in the artistic pattern.

Tread Your Way to the Treasure Trove

To the South of the Vindhayas range of mountains, 45 kms from the capital city Bhopal, lies the historic treasure of Bhimbhetka caves. Bhopal, has the nearest airport as well the nearest railhead, and is very well connected with the major cities of the country. One can also take the route of NH 69 to reach this world heritage site. October to March is the best time one should visit these caves cum rock formations.