Prehistoric Cave Paintings of Bundi

Bundi is known for its vibrant culture, majestic forts and stepwells. Very few people know that the rustic town of Bundi is also home to ancient prehistoric time cave paintings. Located in the hills and ravines surrounding the Bundi town, there are number of Prehistoric Cave Shelters where colours of rock paintings have not faded till date. Dating back to thousands of years, these cave paintings are one of the fascinating examples of prehistoric art in the country, to be explored. 

On that fine morning, we started to explore the hidden cave paintings along with Sir Om Prakash Kukki, the renowned archaeologist of Bundi who is credited with discovery of these paintings. Within an hour we were at the site and ready to trek till the last accessible point to unearth secrets from the past. While on the way we came across water streams and landscapes known only in fantasy tales. Check out – 

Glad such spots are away from mainstream, otherwise these will vanish for sure. We continued our way through varied landscapes, water streams and rocky terrain to reach the first of the rock shelters.

Kukki Ji informed that the artwork in the caves was carried out with natural pigments made from minerals, charcoal, and other organic materials available in the area itself. In these Cave shelters prehistoric people used to live and the paintings acted as a medium to spread information, teach children about animals, plants and civilization. Dark colours of these paintings make one wonder about the quality of colours which has not faded in thousands of years. Shelters have been carved safely inside cliffs, which is also one reason that the paintings have escaped nature’s fury and gradual erosion. 

Majority of the cave paintings consists of animals, hunting scenes, community celebrations and some patterns, which are yet to be deciphered. Images of wild animals Like tigers, elephants, buffalo, deer and some strange animals which are no more present on the earth.

We also across some paintings which have not been understood till date. Likewise, this looks like a marine animal or fish type of organism with resembling tail. But the size of this organism has not been documented and found anywhere in the world. 

While we were wondering with the sophistication of the Parietal Art, Kukki Sir guided the kids to draw their paintings with the red mineral stones which were spread around.  

   

It was the time we realized that "Drawing is still basically the same as it has been since prehistoric times, connecting man and the world". These paintings are not just artwork but insights into the lives, beliefs, and customs of the early human societies that once inhabited the region. They also provide information on continuous evolution of the mankind and mistakes of the past which should not be repeated. These paintings are in most inaccessible spots in the area. Privacy was deeply valued as well as connection with natural world in these shelters. This one probably was a place of worship. 

There are some images representing human figures with large hands / big heads. There are believed to be signifying Gods or mythological humans. Images depicting animals and hunting scenes are in majority, perhaps this was the way to share knowledge and safeguarding during encounters with animals. 

Red and black are the dominant shades in the paintings along with touches of yellow and white. 

Hands or brushes made from twigs/ animal hair might have used for applying the colours of the rock surface. Painting technique and knowledge of their materials proves why human race is still existing when many have perished along the times. Some paintings depict vegetation in those times -

To summarize, these prehistoric Cave paintings in Bundi are an important heritage site but are facing threats from human activity. Local people see influx of visitors as a threat to their communities fearing commercialization. However, these paintings are a proof of the creativity and resourcefulness of the early inhabitants of the region. Without offending local inhabitants, preserving these artworks is crucial for getting insights to the early human connection with art and culture, aspects which the materialistic society of today might be overlooking. By this I had so much got overwhelmed with studying the Rocks that I started thinking myself as a Petrologist. Sorry, I missed out sharing the treasured landscapes, we explored. 

Similar cave paintings have been discovered in other parts India. Probably earlier societies were better connected than our anticipation or perhaps had shared cultural practices. One such similar cave paintings are located in Lakhudiyar in Almora, Uttarakhand. 

Plan your time to spend here based on your trekking pace and interest. If you have even a slight curiosity in exploring such a subject, keep at least 3-4 hours. Thereafter continue to Bijolia group of temples, flowless architecture of precision carved temples will take you into a different world. Keep exploring Folks…