summary of NCERT "An Introduction to Indian Art" - Chapter 1: Prehistoric Rock Paintings

Chapter 1: Prehistoric Rock Paintings

Introduction

The earliest form of art created by humans is found in prehistoric rock paintings. These paintings provide significant insights into early human life, culture, and environment. The study of prehistoric art helps in understanding human evolution and their interaction with nature.

Prehistoric rock paintings were primarily discovered in caves and rock shelters, depicting hunting scenes, daily activities, rituals, and animals.

Periods of Prehistoric Art

Prehistoric art in India is divided into three main periods:

1. Upper Palaeolithic Period (Old Stone Age)

2. Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)

3. Chalcolithic Period (New Stone Age and Copper Age)

Each period is characterized by unique artistic styles and themes.

1. Upper Palaeolithic Period (Old Stone Age)

• The earliest rock art dates back to this period (around 40,000–10,000 BCE).

• Paintings were done on cave walls and ceilings using natural colors.

• Common themes: Large animals (bison, deer, rhinos, and mammoths), hunting scenes.

• Colors used: Red and ochre, made from hematite (iron oxide).

Example: Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh contain some of the oldest Palaeolithic paintings.

2. Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)

• Dates: 10,000–8,000 BCE

• Smaller, more refined paintings compared to the Palaeolithic period.

• Themes expanded to include hunting, dancing, domestication of animals, and social life.

• Introduction of stick-like human figures with bows, arrows, and other tools.

• More variety in colors: Red, white, green, yellow, and black.

• Animals were drawn in motion, depicting realism in art.

Example: Bhimbetka shelters also contain Mesolithic paintings with detailed hunting scenes.

3. Chalcolithic Period (New Stone Age + Copper Age)

• Dates: 4,000–2,000 BCE

• More complex paintings with religious and cultural themes.

• Humans shown with ornaments, headgear, and weapons.

• Scenes of agricultural activities, religious rituals, and celebrations.

• Use of geometric patterns and symbolic motifs.

Example: Rock art in Jharkhand and Odisha represents the transition from hunting to settled life.

Materials & Techniques Used

Colors and Pigments

• Natural minerals were used for colors.

• Red: Hematite (Iron oxide)

• White: Lime or chalk

• Yellow: Ochre

• Black: Charcoal or manganese oxide

Brushes & Tools

• Brushes were made from twigs, feathers, or animal hair.

• Colors were mixed with water, animal fat, or plant extracts.

Painting Techniques

• Paintings were done on rock surfaces, cave walls, and ceilings.

• Early artists used fingers, sticks, and brushes to create images.

• Paintings were often layered, with new drawings overlapping older ones.

Themes and Subjects of Rock Paintings

1. Hunting and Gathering Scenes – People hunting animals like deer, bison, and rhinos.

2. Dancing Figures – Groups of humans in rhythmic movements, possibly depicting rituals.

3. Battle Scenes – Fighting with bows, arrows, and spears.

4. Animal Paintings – Cows, elephants, horses, and tigers depicted in different postures.

5. Symbols and Abstract Designs – Spirals, geometric shapes, and mysterious symbols.

These themes reflect the social structure, lifestyle, and beliefs of prehistoric humans.

Important Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in India

1. Bhimbetka Caves (Madhya Pradesh)

   • UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   • Over 500 painted rock shelters.

   • Art from Palaeolithic to Medieval period.

   • Themes: Hunting, dancing, rituals, and daily life.

2. Kurnool Caves (Andhra Pradesh)

   • Early depictions of animal hunting.

   • Use of black and white colors.

3. Jogimara Caves (Chhattisgarh)

   • Ancient paintings of animals and humans.

   • Unique depiction of decorative motifs.

4. Ezhuthupura Caves (Kerala)

   • Red ochre paintings of humans and animals.

   • One of the few Neolithic painting sites in South India.

5. Kupgallu, Piklihal, and Tekkalkota (Karnataka)

   • Mesolithic paintings showing animal domestication and group dances.

Significance of Prehistoric Rock Paintings

1. Provides Historical Insights – Helps understand the evolution of human culture.

2. Depicts Early Human Life – Shows hunting, rituals, and daily activities.

3. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs – Early humans may have practiced rituals for good hunting and prosperity.

4. Artistic Development – Transition from simple stick figures to detailed paintings.

5. Preservation of Early Human Expression – Evidence of creativity and cognitive skills.

Comparison with Global Prehistoric Art

Indian Rock Art vs. Global Rock Art

FeatureIndian Rock Art (Bhimbetka)Global Rock Art (Lascaux, France)Time Period40,000 BCE – 2,000 BCE17,000 BCEThemesHunting, rituals, animals, social lifeHunting, animals, human figuresColors UsedRed, white, yellow, blackRed, brown, yellowTechniquesSimple outlines, dynamic posesDetailed shading, perspective

Preservation and Conservation of Rock Paintings

Rock paintings are vulnerable to natural and human-caused damage.

Threats to Prehistoric Art

1. Natural Erosion – Weathering due to wind, rain, and temperature changes.

2. Human Activities – Vandalism, graffiti, and encroachments.

3. Industrial Pollution – Acid rain and air pollution deteriorate rock surfaces.

Conservation Efforts

1. UNESCO Heritage Protection – Sites like Bhimbetka are under protection.

2. Government Initiatives – Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) preserves rock art.

3. Awareness Programs – Educating locals and tourists on preservation.

4. Legal Protection – Strict laws to prevent damage and encroachments.

Conclusion

Prehistoric rock paintings are one of the earliest forms of human artistic expression. They provide a visual record of ancient societies, their beliefs, traditions, and interactions with nature. Sites like Bhimbetka caves serve as a bridge between history and archaeology, offering insights into early human creativity.

The study and conservation of these paintings are essential to preserve our rich cultural heritage.