PREHISTORIC ROCK PAINTINGS IN INDIA
PREHISTORIC ROCK CAVE PAINTINGS IN INDIA
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The prehistoric period in the early development of human beings
is commonly known as the Old Stone Age or the Palaeolithic Age.
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Prehistoric paintings have been found in many parts of the
world. Subjects of their drawings were human figures, human activities,
geometric designs and symbols.
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In India the earliest paintings have been reported from the
Upper Palaeolithic times.
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The
first discovery of rock paintings was made in India in 1867–68 by an
archaeologist, Archibald
Carlyle and John Cocksure in Aimer ranges, Madhya Pradesh, found
the rock engravings and cave paintings., twelve years before the
discovery of Altamira in Spain.
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Remnants
of rock paintings have been found on the walls of the caves situated in
several districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
and Bihar and in Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand.
Major Pre-Historic
Rock Paintings sites in India
BHIMBETKA
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It is the largest and most spectacular Rock Cave Shelter is
located in the Vindhya hills.
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Bhimbetka is located 45 kilometres south east of
Bhopal on the road to Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh.
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It has about 800/700 rock shelters, 500/400 of which bear
paintings. (Data: NCERT/ASI)
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The caves of Bhimbetka were discovered in 1957–58 by eminent
archaeologist V.S. Wakankar and later on many more were discovered.
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Bhimbetka is listed in World Heritage list of UNESCO.
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The
themes of paintings found here are events of daily life in those times to
sacred and royal images. These include hunting, dancing, music, horse and
elephant riders, animal fighting, honey collection, decoration of bodies, and
other household scenes.
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The Auditorium
Rock Shelter, Zoo Rock and Boar Rock are very interesting sites at Bhimbetka
Cluster.
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The
Auditorium Rock Shelter is dated back to nearly 100000 years. Near the end of
this tunnel there is a cluster of painting depicting a hunter, deer, tiger
cattle and stylised peacock.
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Further ahead on the same path one comes
across the Zoo Rock Shelter, which qualifies as the most densely painted rock
shelter, paintings spanning from the Mesolithic to the Mediaeval. The paintings here include those of A Mesolithic
boar painted in dark red, animals like: elephant, rhinoceros, boar, Barasingha,
spotted deer and cattle and snake, etc.
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The
Boar Rock, which is the last among the rock shelters, has a depiction of a
mythical boar with horns that is many more times larger than the human being
chased by it.
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The cave also has a small inscription of the Maurya /Sunga
period. Within the general area of Bhimbetka Group of rock shelters small Stupas
have been found at Bhimbetka, near Bhoranwali, at Bineka, at Lakhajuar and
midway between Lakhajuar and Bhimbetka.
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A large number of Shanka Lipi inscriptions have been found here.
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Bhimbetka has three phases viz upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and
Chalcolithic periods.
LAKHUDIYAR
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This
rock shelters is situated on banks of the River Suyal at Lakhudiyar, about 20
kilometres on the Almora–Barechina road in Uttrakhand. Lakhudiyar literally
means one lakh caves.
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Lakhudiyar
has been acknowledged as the richest cave shelter preserving the scenes and
activities of the primitive inhabitants of the region, which according to
archaeologists belong to the Old Stone Age to the Neo Stone Age.
· The
prehistoric paintings here can be divided into three categories: man, animal
and geometric patterns in white, black and red ochre.
· The
motifs represented are humans, animals and some other signatures. Human
figures are represented in stick-like, stylized as well as in-like forms.
Most of the human figures are shown as rows of dancers.
· A
long-snouted animal, a fox and a multiple legged lizard are the main animal
motifs.
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Wavy
lines, rectangle-filled geometric designs, and groups of dots can also be
seen here.
·
One
of the interesting scenes depicted here is of hand-linked dancing human
figures.
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There
is some superimposition of paintings here. The earliest are in black; over
these are Red Ochre Paintings and the last group comprises White Paintings.
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Other
remnants of cultural importance of this region as has been pointed out by
Professor D.D. Sharma are megaliths, menhirs, cup marks (memoirs of dead)
burial graves, cists pottery, beads etc.
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It
has been noticed here that during that period at least three types of burials
were in practice, (1) complete burial, (2) fractional burial and (3) post
cremation burial. In the first form the whole body was cremated along with
certain funerary objects. In the fractional burial, urns containing skulls and
fragments of bones along with earthen wares and a variety of small objects
for the use of the dead were also placed there.
ROCK CAVE PAINTINGS IN KARNATKA AND TELANGANA
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Paintings of this sites belong to Neolithic man age.
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Important
site are Kupgallu in Nalgonda District of Telangana, Piklihal of Raichur
district in Karnataka and Tekkalkota in Bellary district Karnataka.. Three
types of paintings have been reported from here—paintings in white, paintings
in red ochre over a white background and paintings in red ochre.
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These paintings belong to late historical, early historical and Neolithic
periods.
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The subjects depicted are bulls, elephants, Sambhars, gazelles,
sheep, goats, horses, stylised humans, tridents, but rarely, vegetal motifs.
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A MUST READ - INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
The Indus Valley Civilization
Basic overview of this Great Ancient Civilization
Ø The civilisation existed between- 2550 BC- 1500 BC
Ø Period of Mature Harappan Culture – 2550 BC- 1900 BC
Ø Period of Post urban phase of Harappa- 1900 BC- 1500 BC (1200 BC at some places )
Ø The Indus civilisation is also called Harappan because “Dayaram Sahni” in the year 1921 first discovered Harappa, which is presently situated in West Punjab province of Pakistan.
Ø The civilisation was extended over an Area - 1299600 Square Kilometre which was bigger than contemporary Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia Civilisation.
Ø Spread over area of the Civilisation was as follows;
North- Manda in Jammu & Ropar in Punjab
South- Daimabad in Maharashtra & Bhagatrav in Gujarat i.e. up to Narmada River estuary
East- Bargaon, Manpur & Allamgirpur in West Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh.
West- Sutkah-Koh & Sutkagendor in Makran Coast of Baluchistan
Ø Chronology of events of discovery
· First in 1826, Charles Manon noted high walls and towers at Harappa. He thought it belonged to the time of Alexander.
· In 1872 archaeologist sir Alexander Cunningham opined that the city was more than 1000 years old.
· In 1924 archaeologist John Marshal reported that he Civilisation is as old as of Mesopotamia & Egypt.
Ø There were mainly Six important cities in Indus Civilisation Viz.
1. Harappa 4. Lothal
2. Mohenjo-Daro 5. Kalibangan
3. Chanhu-Daro 6. Banawali (Hisar, Haryana)
· Of these cities, Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro were the two most important cities and both are situated in Pakistan.
· Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro were situated at distance of 483 km & were linked with Indus River.
· Chanhu-Daro was situated 130 km South of Mohenjo-Daro in Sindh.
· Kalibangan was situated in Northern, Rajasthan.
Ø The port City, Lothal was situated at the head of the Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat.
Ø The above six cities had mature and flourishing Harappan phase.
Ø The mature phase of Harappa culture were also noticed in coastal cities “Sutkagendor & Sut-Kotda”
Agriculture & domestication of Animals
Ø They are under Indus civilisation is not fertile today. It receives only 15 cm of rain. In 4th century BC, Historian of Alexander informs that Sindh was very fertile land.
Ø The Indus people sowed seeds on flood plains in November. Wheat & barley were harvested in April.
Ø No “Hoe or Ploughshare” has been discovered.
Ø But the furrows discovered in the pre Harappan phase at Kalibangan. They probably used wooden Ploughshare.
Ø “Gabarband” or “Nalas” enclosed by Dams for storing water, were a feature in parts of Baluchistan & Afghanistan.
Ø Wheat Barley Rai Peas were produced. Oil such as sesame & Mustard were also produced.
Ø A good quality of Barley has been discovered at Banawali.
Ø At Lothal, a remains of Rice has been found which belongs to 1800 BC.
Town Planning/Major Characteristics of Harappan Culture
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| Remains of Indus Valley Civilization |
Ø Use of Burnt bricks was a remarkable thing at Harappan cities. Contemporary building of Egypt used dry bricks and Mesopotamia used baked bricks.
Ø The drainage system at Mohenjo-Daro was impressive.
Ø In almost all cities even big houses had their own courtyards and bathrooms.
Ø Water flowed from the house to the streets which had drains. At some places drains were covered with slabs. The streets drains were equipped with Manhole.
Ø The city was divided in to so many blocks in almost all cities and was planned in chess board system, having excellent drainage system, pipes, pits etc.
Ø Road cuts each other almost at right angles.
Ø The remains of Street and drain also found at Banawali.
Ø Perhaps no ancient people have such an excellent drainage system except peoples of Crete in Konsos.
Ø At Kalibangan many houses had their own wells.
Ø Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro (also Sur-Kotda and Sutkagendor) each had a citadel/ Acropolis which possibly occupied by ruling class.
Ø The arrangement of the houses in the city followed Grid system.
Ø Granaries were also found at Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa and Kalibangan.
Ø The Indus people were earliest to produce cotton. The Greeks called it “Sindon” derived from Sindh.
Ø They domesticated animals like Ox, Buffalo, Goats, Sheep, Pigs noticed (Cats, Dogs were also domesticated whose signs of feet have been noticed. Elephants & Rhino were well known Harappan.
Ø Remains of Horse were reported from “Surkotda” in west Gujarat and perhaps belongs to 2000BC. In any case Harappan were not Horse Centred.
Trade, Technology & Crafts
Ø Indus people were well acquainted with Bronze. However, Bronze was not prolific at Harappa.
Ø For making Bronze they obtained Tin possibly from Afghanistan & Copper from “Khetri” region of Rajasthan.
Ø Many bronze tools have been found at Harappa which suggests that Bronze smith formed an important artisan group.
Ø “Woven Cotton” has been found at Mohenjo-Daro.
Ø They were expert in “Bead Making”. Brick laying Terracotta manufacturing, Jewellery in Gold, Silver & Other precise stones were other important occupations.
Ø They did not use Metal Money but probably used Barter system for trade.
Ø They used “Modern Ekka” But not that of Spoked wheel rather Solid wheel, hence, they clearly have knowledge of “Wheel & Cart”.
Ø Harappa carried long trade in “Lapis Lazuli/Blue Stone” with Mesopotamia.
Ø They had setup Trading Station at “Dilmun & Makan” which lay between Mesopotamia & Meluha (Dilmun = Modern Bahrain). Meluha is the Ancient name of Indus Region.
Political organisation & Religious Practices
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| Goddess Earth |
Ø There is no clear evidence of political organisation or unit.
Ø Possibly, they were ruled by “Class of Merchants.”
Ø Unlike Egypt & Mesopotamia “No Temple” has been found in Harappan culture except great Bath which was possibly used for rituals.
Ø However, there is some indication of “fire cult” at Lothal.
Ø In one terracotta figurine showing “A plant growing out of embryo of woman. Probably this may be Goddess Earth”
Ø They considered earth as a “Fertility Goddess”.
Ø Harappan were matriarchies people like Egyptians.
Ø A “male deity” has been found depicted on a Sear. The Deity has “has horned Heads” in sitting posture of a yogi.
Ø The male Deity has been surrounded by “an elephant, a tiger a Rhinoceros and a Buffalo” below his throne at his feet “Two Deers”
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| Male Deity : Pashupati |
Ø The male deity is indentified as a “Pashupati Mahadev”.
Ø Phallus worship was practiced which latter connected with Shiva.
Ø They probably worshipped “Pipal Tree”
Ø Animal were also worshipped “Unicorn & Humped Bull” were worshiped. Unicorn indentified with Rhinoceros. The animals around the Pashupati were also worshipped. “Humped Bulls” were favoured by Harappan.
Ø Amulets have been found in large numbers which suggest that they believed in Evil Spirit/Ghost.
Ø Harappan scripts were picto-graphic. 250-400 Picto graph and together 4000 script have been found.
Ø Harappan Measurement were based on multiple of 16 i.e. 16, 64,160,320 etc. Thus they know the art of measurement.
Harappan pottery, Images & Terra cotta figurines
Ø Pots were generally decorated with Trees & Circles made on wheels and classified as Black Painted Red ware.
Ø The greatest artist creation of Harappan was Seals & about 2000 Seals have been found.
Ø Image of Dancing Girl made up of Bronze has been found at Mohenjo-Daro.
Ø Various terracotta figurine (Fire baked Earthen Clay) of Birds, Dogs, Sheep, Cattle and monkeys have been found.
Some major City wise findings in Harappa Civilization
1. MOHENJO-DARO
Ø Literally Mohenjo-Daro means “Mound of Dead”. Mohenjo-Daro was entirely rich in structures. Some prominent structure are;
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| Dancing Girl |
Ø Great Bath whose dimensions 11.88x7.01x2.43 meters the steps at either ends leads to surface. Made up of burnt bricks cloths changing rooms was also present. Possibly used for ritual bathing.
Ø The largest Building in Indus Civilisation was “The Great Granary” whose dimension was 45.71x15.23 meter.
Ø A college, multi-pillared assembly hall.
Ø Evidence of Horse comes from at superficial level.
Ø Evidence of Direct trades with Mesopotamia.
Ø A seal of Mother Goddess Earth.
Ø Bronze image of a Dancing Girl.
Ø Seal of Pashupati.
Ø Evidence Violent Death/ Discovery of Skeleton (Human).
Ø Image of Bearded man.
2. HARAPPA
Ø Evidence of about 200 coffin burial and cemetery ‘H’ culture.
Ø Six small Granaries has also found at Harappa in two rows. Each having dimension 15.23x6.03, cumulatively having approximately same area as that of Great Granary of Mohenjo-Daro. The combined floor space was 838 m2.
Ø Near Granaries of Harappa “Circular Brick Platforms” has been found, possibly used for threshing grains.
Ø Two rooms barrack was found at Harappa possibly occupied by labours.
Ø Evidence of Direct trade connection with Mesopotamia.
Ø Stone symbol of Female genitals.
3. KALIBANGAN
Ø Literal meaning is Black bangles.
Ø A Plough field.
Ø Wooden furrow
Ø Seven fire Altars suggesting cult of Sacrifice.
Ø It is the only Indus site where there is no evidence of worshiping Mother Goddess.
Ø Kalibangan is second town of Lothal where both Citadel and Lower town were surrounded by Massive brick walks.
Ø Evidence of two types of graves- (i) Circular (ii) Rectangular Burial Graves.
Ø A human head with long oval eyes, thick lips receding forehead and straight pointed nose.
Ø Seals depicting female figure b/whore male figures, fighting and with spear.
Ø Terra cotta figure of Charging bull and terracotta bangles.
4. LOTHAL
Ø An important trading centre for Harappan People.
Ø Remains of Rice Husk. Rangpur near Ahmadabad were another city where Rice Husk has been found.
Ø An artificial Dockyard.
Ø A doubtful Terracotta figurine of a Horse.
Ø Evidence of direct trade with Mesopotamia.
Ø Houses with entrance of the Main streets (All other cities had side entries).
Ø A painting on jar depicting clever fox story of Panchtantra.
Ø A seal & a terracotta figure depicting ship.
Ø Evidence of game similar to chess.
Ø Instrument measuring angles 180, 90, 45 i.e. just like a modern day compass.
Ø Evidence of Double of burial(Male & Female together)
5. CHANHU-DARO
Ø Only Harappan city without a citadel.
Ø Bronze figure of bullock cart & Ekka.
Ø Small pot suggesting footprint of elephant & a dog chasing cat.
Ø The city is also called “ Sheffield of India.”
Ø Spears, rotors, axes copper fish hooks was found.
Ø A bead making factory noted.
6. BANAWALI
Ø Here two different Phase, Phase-I&II of Harappan culture is found.
Ø This place possibly belongs to later Harappan culture.
Ø Grid pattern of houses/Town Planning is either absent or lacking.
Ø A high quality of Barley have been found here.
7. SURKOTADA
Ø This place is situated in present day Bhuj, Gujarat.
Ø It was an important fortified settlement.
Ø First actual remains of Horse is observed/found here.
Ø A cemetery with 4 pot burials with Human bones have been found.
Ø A grave in association with a big rock, a rare finding have been found here.
8. SUTKAGENDOR
Ø It was an important coastal town of Indus valley.
Ø It has two fold division of the Township; The citadel & the lower city.
Decline of the Mature/Urban phase of the Harappan Culture
Ø Mature Harappan phase was declined by 1900B.C.
Ø Various theories have been given by scholars such as earthquake, natural calamity, Aryan invasion theory, unstable river system etc.
Ø However, scholars believe possibly flood/earthquakes is responsible for decline of this great civilisation.
Post urban/Later Harappan Culture
Ø List of major Cities in later/post urban Harappan culture
· Rangpur in Rajasthan
· Rojdi in Kathiawar Gujarat
· Dholavira in Gujarat (Kutch Area)
· Rakhigarhi on Ghaggar in Haryana. It was Bigger than Dholavira.
Ø This period is marked from 1800 BC to 1200 BC.
Ø It was a Chalcolithic period in which people used stone and copper tools such as Axes, Razors, Fish hooks etc.
Ø Prabhash Patan (Somanath) and Rangpur both in Gujarat is direct descendent of Harappan culture.
Ø “Ahar” near Udaipur belongs to Harappan culture dating back to 2000 BC to 1500 BC. Here some burnt bricks have found.
Ø No burnt brick was found in late Harappan culture except at Bhagwanpura in Haryana.
Ø Stray pieces of Burnt bricks occur at Ochre painted pottery (OCP) site in Bulandsahar, UP.
Ø Nadvatoli in Malawa dating back to 1700 BC to 1200 BC belongs to Chalcolithic culture.
Ø “Jorwe Culture” also belongs to Chalcolithic period. The site has been spread between Godavari, Tapi and Bhima River.
Ø Daimabad in Maharashtra was largest Jorwe Settlement spread over 22 hectare having population appx.4000.
Ø Post urban settlement was found at Swat Valley where Black Grey Ware and Black on Red painted pottery was found.
Ø Manda in Jammu, Chandigarh and Sangoi in Punjab, Daulatpur & Mithal in Haryana, Alamgirpur & Hulas in Western UP belongs to late Harappan period.
Ø At Daulatpur & Hulas, Harappan people started using rice.
Ø At Alamgirpur, cotton of late Harappan period was found.
Ø Pottery in late Harappan was found were Painted Grey Ware, Grey Ware in Punjab & Haryana. However, PGW was feature of Vedic People i.e. late Harappan pottery is found in conjunction with Vedic people.
Ø All late Harappan sites lacks human figurine.
Ø End of Trade in Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian Beads, copper & bronze vessel with Mesopotamia and other west Asians.
Ø A few signs of Violence, Sense of Insecurity occurs in this period at Mohenjo-Daro.
Ø Buried jewellery and skull huddled have been found at places.
Ø Traces of appearance of new people/Aryans have been found in this period.
Ø Aryans settled in land of seven rivers in Sindh, Punjab.
Ø No evidence of mass confrontation of Harappan with Aryans have been found.
Ø Aryans may have encountered people of late Harappan between 1500 BC to 1200 BC.
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