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Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Vindhya Hills, Bhimbetka is one of the oldest known rock art sites in India, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The site features over 700 rock shelters adorned with paintings.
These UNESCO World Heritage-listed caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE and are renowned for their exquisite Buddhist cave paintings. The murals depict the life of Buddha, Jataka tales, and various celestial beings.
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Alongside the magnificent sculptures and architectural wonders, the Ellora Caves also contain some impressive paintings. These murals predominantly depict Buddhist themes, along with some Hindu and Jain motifs.
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Carved out of sandstone cliffs, the Badami Cave Temples feature vibrant paintings dating back to the 6th century CE. These paintings predominantly depict Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts.
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Situated in the Ambukuthi Hills, the Edakkal Caves contain Neolithic rock engravings and paintings dating back over 8,000 years. The paintings depict human and animal figures, symbols, and geometric patterns.
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These lesser-known rock shelters in Karnataka feature prehistoric rock art dating back to the Iron Age. The paintings depict various motifs, including human figures, animals, weapons, and more.
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Located near Pudukkottai, the Sittanavasal Cave Temple is renowned for its exquisite frescoes dating back to the 7th century CE. The paintings predominantly depict Jain themes, including Tirthankaras, lotus ponds, and celestial beings.
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These rock engravings, dating back to the Mesolithic period (around 10,000 years ago), are among the oldest known rock art sites in India. The engravings depict a variety of animals, human figures, and geometric patterns.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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These cave paintings not only represent the artistic skills of ancient inhabitants but also serve as important cultural and historical artefacts.