Bhimbetka: The Ancient Rock Shelters

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (or Bhim Baithaka) lie 45 km south of Bhopal at the southern edge of the Vindhyachal hills. South of those rock shelters, successive ranges of the Satpura hills rise. Thick vegetation covers the entire area. Abundant natural resources include perennial water supply, natural shelters, rich forest flora and fauna, bearing a significant resemblance to similar rock art sites such as Kakadu National Park in Australia, the cave paintings of the Bushmen in Kalahari Desert, and the Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings in France.

The Bhimbetka shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India; a number of analyses suggest that at least some of these shelters were inhabited by human beings for in excess of 100,000 years. Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are approximately 30,000 years old. The artists recorded scenes from the everyday lives of the people who lived in rock shelters; for example, hunting, cooking, eating and drinking.  They left paintings of religious symbols and rites. A remarkable feature, one that has caught the attention of archaeologists, is that the paintings represent the whole spectrum of time: Period 1 (Upper Paleolithic), Period II (Mesolithic), Period III (Chalcolithic), Period IV & V (Early historic), and Period VI & VIl (Medieval). That provides the archaeologists and art historian with a view of the progression of the people who lived in these rock shelters.

The Bhimbetka shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India; a number of analyses suggest that at least some of these shelters were inhabited by man for in excess of 100,000 years. Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are approximately 30,000 years old.

Things to see at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters:
Though the Bhimbetka complex comprises hundreds of shelters, visitors are allowed to explore only 12 to 15 of them.

The major things to see at Bhimbetka include:

• Auditorium Cave, the largest cave at the site which stands bordered by quartzite towers.
• Paintings of prehistoric times in which humans are depicted as hunters and food gatherers.
• Paintings of historic times that feature fighters, elephants bearing metal weapons, riders on horses, and battle scenes where rulers carry spears, swords, arrows, and bows.
• Zoo Rock that features paintings of various animals, such as elephants, deer, bison, and swamp deer or barasingha.
• Nataraj Painting, a desolate shelter featuring a unique painting of a man dancing with a staff that looks like a trident.
• In addition to these, the rock shelters also feature paintings of magical chariots flying in the sky, tree gods, religious symbols, communal dances, children and mothers, dead animals being carried by men, burials, cooking, drinking, honey collection, childbirth, and so much more.
• The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are a fascinating place to look back at the evolution of mankind. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast or a just traveller trying to unravel the mysteries of the past, this ancient art gallery of India will keep you engaged for hours.

Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day.
Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Indians; 500 for foreigners. Since the ticket counter is about 2 km from the site, it is suggested that you travel the distance in a vehicle instead of walking.

How to Reach:
Bhopal is the nearest airport and railhead to this place. Bhimbetka is connected to Bhopal via Bhojpur. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are located about 45 km south-east of Bhopal, on the road to Hoshangabad and can be reached by all available means of transport.