Exploring the Rock Art Traditions of Tamil Nadu and Central India: A Comparative Analysis
Man has always been expressive of his thoughts. The paintings on natural surfaces of caves, i.e., rock art, were the first means of graphical communication of early men. Rock art depicts their way of life, religious and cultural practices, and the variety of flora and fauna. Rockart in the context of the world emerged during the Upper Palaeolithic era, while in India it evolved during the Mesolithic era. The traditions of Tamil Nadu and Central India rock art provide an intriguing window into the cultural and artistic practices of ancient human societies.
Geographical Location
One of the richest and most important prehistoric art sites in Central India is Bhimbetka, which is in Madhya Pradesh. The site is marked by a prominent quartzite ridge and a sequence of monolithic rocks, with caves and shelters scattered over the hill slopes. The area’s rich fauna, consisting of wild creatures and consumable flora, rendered it a coveted site for the early settlements of humans.
Bhimbetka Rock shelters
While south India has rock art in shelters formed by granite boulders. These boulders, usually created when big granite masses collapsed and leaned against one another. Although a few shelters provide protection from weathering, granite is not the most suitable surface for paintings as it is coarse and also easily erodes. Despite such problems, these shelters continue to offer insights into rock art of ancient times.
Differences in Artistic Styles and Techniques
Central Indian rock paintings employ red, white, and sometimes bluish-green and yellow pigments, derived from natural minerals such as haematite. The paintings were made directly on natural rock surfaces with thin twigs, probably used as brushes. Animals are depicted in more detail and realism, usually outlined, whereas humans are depicted in simple stick figures. Geometric designs occasionally adorn animal bodies.
The South Indian rock art features a mix of monochrome and polychrome paintings, which are mainly in red and white pigments based on natural minerals such as ochre and lime. Images are often outlined in one color and filled with another, and superimposition of newer paintings upon older ones is frequent, which suggests various stages of artistic activity. The engravings or petroglyphs, frequently showing symbols and geometric motifs, are produced by bruising or incising the rock surface
Common Themes and Motifs
The rock art of Central India, particularly in Bhimbetka, showcases diverse themes reflecting prehistoric life. Dominant motifs include wild animals like bison, elephants, and deer, often depicted in herds, emphasizing early humans’ connection to nature. Hunting scenes with armed hunters, traps, and cliff drives are common, along with depictions of social and ritual activities such as group dances and ceremonies. Some paintings feature mythological or religious elements, including deified animals. Later artworks from the historic period depict royal processions, warriors, and battle scenes. Geometric patterns and symbolic motifs illustrate a shift from naturalistic to stylized artistic expression over time.
South Indian rock art features human activities, animals, symbols, and abstract designs. Stick-figure humans with triangular torsos appear in hunting, dancing, and warfare scenes, wielding weapons like bows and swords. Horse and elephant riders, often in battle or processions, are prominent in megalithic dolmens. Common animal motifs include deer, bulls, wild boars, tigers, birds, and fish. Hunting scenes reflect early lifestyles, while geometric and symbolic motifs, such as stars and religious symbols, resemble megalithic pottery graffiti. Ritual elements, including masked figures, suggest totemic or spiritual significance, adding depth to this artistic tradition.
Hunting scene
Hunting scene
Fishing scene
A hut like structure and a burial
Notable sites
In Central India ,many rock shelters have been discovered mainly in the Vindhyan region and some from Satpura ranges.Besides Bhimbetka, some other well-known sites in this region are Kharwai, Jaora, Kathotia, Lakhajoar, Adamgarh and Panchmarhi in Mahadeo hills
In south of India, some important rock art sites are Kuppagal (Sanaganakallu), Badami, Maski, Piklihal, Tekkalakota in Karnataka, Budagavi, Chintakunta, Kethavaram, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, Kilvalai ,Sethavarai and Mayiladumparai in Tamil Nadu and Edakkal and Ezuthupara rock shelters in Kerala.
Distribution of rock art sites in India
Conclusion
Sources for studying the prehistoric period are limited, with rock art being one of the most valuable. However, a major challenge in understanding rock art is the inability to determine its exact purpose, making its interpretation a subject of ongoing debate. Recent advancements in digitizing archaeology aim to address this challenge, offering new insights into prehistoric art.
Bibliography:
Dayalan, D. and Archaeological Survey of India. n.d. “ROCK ART IN TAMIL NADU AND ITS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE.”
Boivin, Nicole. 2004. “Rock Art and Rock Music: Petroglyphs of the South Indian Neolithic.” Antiquity 78 (299): 38–53..
Misra, V. N. n.d. “The Prehistoric Rock Art of Bhimbetka, Central India.”
About the Author:
Author: DARSHANA PRIYAA. S
Darshana Priyaa is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in History, Archaeology, and Museology at Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her academic interests include digital archaeology, numismatics, prehistoric archaeology, and bioarchaeology. She
is deeply passionate about expressing her insights and ideas through writing. Additionally, as a dedicated traveler, she seeks to broaden her understanding by exploring and engaging with diverse cultures.
