Prehistoric paintings

Published on 12 Oct 2025

Prehistoric paintings in India are a fascinating form of ancient art that provides valuable insights into the lives and cultures of early human communities. Although the specific characteristics of prehistoric paintings can vary across different regions, there are some common features that can be observed. Here are some features of prehistoric paintings in India.

Rock shelters and caves: Rock shelters provided the most natural canvases for early humans to express their creativity.

Example: Bhimbetka rock shelters have over 100 caves with paintings of the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods.

Natural pigments: Pigments derived from minerals, plants and animal minerals which were mixed with binders like water or animal fat to produce the required colour.

Example: White colour from limestone, red from haematite ore.

Depiction of animals: Animals formed an important part of the paintings as the tribal people were heavily associated with them.

Example: Portrayal of a multi-legged lizard, a long-snouted animal and a fox in prehistoric paintings.

Abstract figures: The paintings were usually crude with humans represented in a stick-like form. This further evolved with the use of green colour for dancers and red for hunters.

Example: Hand-linked dancing figure of humans is a common figure in caves

Use of geometric patterns: Patterns having symbolic or ritualistic significance were used in paintings.

Example: Paintings of Lakhudiyar caves are rich in patterns and symbols.

Depiction of hunting: Hunting indicated human dependence on animals for survival and their superiority over animals.

Example: Pachmarhi cave in Madhya Pradesh portrays humans engaged in activities like throwing spears at animals.

Significance of Prehistoric paintings in understanding social life

Prehistoric paintings hold immense significance in understanding the social life of early human societies as they give insights into the beliefs, customs and practices of prehistoric cultures.

Depiction of daily life: Prehistoric paintings offer glimpses into the daily life of ancient communities, showcasing activities such as hunting, gathering and domestic chores.

Example: Lakhudiyar caves in Uttarakhand display scenes of hunting and fruit gathering.

Indication of social structure: Social activities by early men were common themes in prehistoric paintings which gave a better idea of the social interaction and gender roles in the society.

Example: Paintings showing men hunting and women doing household labour, indicating the prevalence of gender division of labour.

Religious and ritualistic practices: These paintings give more clarity on the spiritual beliefs and practices of early humans.

Example: Rock art at Kupgal caves in Karnataka features motifs of the sun and moon suggesting a connection to the cosmological and religious beliefs of the people.

Cultural identity: The symbols, motifs and patterns shed light on the cultural diversity and regional variations of prehistoric societies.

Example: Bhimbetka paintings feature scenes of communal gatherings, dances and processions

Technological and Artistic Development: By examining the quality of pigments, the use of different colours, and the sophistication of techniques employed, researchers can infer the artistic development and innovation of these ancient cultures.
Environmental interaction: The depiction of animals, landscape and natural elements indicates the relation between early human communities and their environment.

Example: Edakkal caves of Kerala are rich in animal and plant figures which gives some understanding of the ecological context of the region during that period.

Reasons for the long-time survival of prehistoric painting

These centuries-old prehistoric paintings can still be witnessed in many caves in India thus serving historical and archaeological purposes. The reasons for the long-term survival of these paintings were

Sheltered locations: Caves or rock shelters shielded the paintings from direct exposure to sunlight and rain thus allowing their survival for many centuries.

Example: Bhimbetka paintings remain one of the most protected paintings.

Use of natural mineral pigments: These offer excellent durability and better resistance to fading.

Example: Red pigments made from haematite ore have proved to be long-lasting.

Limited human interference: The location of these caves in relatively remote areas limits human interaction and accidental damage.

Example: Rock site at Lakhudiyar in Uttarakhand has been left relatively undisturbed for centuries.

Geological stability: When rocks are solid and stable, the paintings adhere well to the surface and are less prone to deterioration.
Local climatic condition: Factors such as low humidity, moderate temperature and limited exposure to moisture facilitate better survival of paintings.

Example: The relatively dry climate along the Satpura ranges has resulted in the preservation of rock art in Pachmarhi caves.

Conservation efforts: The archaeological departments, local communities and heritage organizations have made efforts like installing barriers, conducting periodic monitoring etc. to ensure better survival of these paintings.

Thus, prehistoric paintings are a record of the social, cultural, and religious practices which existed among early generations. These paintings provide a window into the past, but their meaning and significance can vary across different regions and time periods.