BHOPAL, Madhya Pradesh: Delegates attending the BRICS Culture Working Group and Ministerial Group visited the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, exploring prehistoric paintings and the site’s natural and cultural heritage.
More than 15 delegates from BRICS countries, including South Africa, Indonesia, Russia and China, took part in a guided heritage tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, according to information provided by the Madhya Pradesh government.
During the visit, the delegates toured several rock shelters and learned about the lifestyle and social activities of prehistoric communities through the paintings found on the rock surfaces. The artwork includes depictions of animals such as elephants, gaur, deer, monkeys and wild boar, highlighting the role of the natural environment in prehistoric life.
Rock paintings reflect ancient life
The Bhimbetka rock shelters contain evidence of human activity spanning thousands of years. The paintings depict human figures, animals, hunting scenes and group activities, offering insights into the lives and artistic traditions of communities that lived in the region.
The site has more than 750 rock shelters, with paintings reported in more than 100 of them. The artwork represents different periods and includes scenes of hunting and community activities, while some later paintings depict processions, warriors and ceremonial gatherings.
For the visiting delegates, the tour provided an opportunity to view the archaeological site and learn about the development of human artistic expression through its prehistoric rock art.
The visit also highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s archaeological and cultural heritage as part of the BRICS cultural engagement programme.
