Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Loading map…
Overview
The rock shelters of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh hold the earliest Indian paintings, part of a tradition of over ten thousand years. They became a World Heritage Site in 2003.
The shelters are in Raisen district, in the Vindhyan hills near Bhopal, and were discovered by V. S. Wakankar in 1957.
Paintings show hunting, dancing and animals from the Mesolithic period onward, and some are much older.
The site was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2003.
There are over 700 rock shelters.
The paintings use red and white pigments.
Some cupules may be among the oldest rock art in the world.
The site is surrounded by forests.
Geography and key facts
- Madhya Pradesh
- Prehistoric rock art
- WHS 2003
- Raisen district
- Discovered 1957
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on prehistoric art.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 2003 · Madhya Pradesh.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Madhya Pradesh
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 2003
- Coordinates
- 22.939°N, 77.614°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Madhya Pradesh
All world heritage sites · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs