Who discovered the caves of Bhimbetka?a)V.S. Wakankarb)Stone Age peopl...
The caves of Bhimbetka were discovered in 1957–58 by the eminent archaeologist V.S. Wakankar.
Who discovered the caves of Bhimbetka?a)V.S. Wakankarb)Stone Age peopl...
The correct answer is option 'A' - V.S. Wakankar.
Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, commonly known as V.S. Wakankar, was an Indian archaeologist who discovered the caves of Bhimbetka.
Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is famous for its rock shelters and cave paintings, which provide a glimpse into the lives of early humans.
Here is a detailed explanation of how V.S. Wakankar discovered the caves of Bhimbetka:
1. V.S. Wakankar's Background:
- V.S. Wakankar was born in 1919 in Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
- He developed an interest in archaeology and history from a young age.
- He studied art and archaeology at Nagpur University and later pursued further studies in Europe.
2. Exploration and Discovery:
- In 1957, V.S. Wakankar embarked on an expedition to explore the Vindhyas and the Satpura ranges in central India.
- During this expedition, he came across the rock shelters of Bhimbetka near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Wakankar recognized the artistic and historical significance of the rock shelters and began studying them in detail.
3. Excavations and Research:
- V.S. Wakankar conducted extensive excavations in Bhimbetka from 1957 to 1968.
- He discovered numerous rock shelters and identified over 700 rock paintings, dating back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.
- These paintings depicted scenes from everyday life, hunting, dancing, and religious rituals, providing valuable insights into the lives of early humans.
4. Recognition and Preservation:
- V.S. Wakankar's discoveries at Bhimbetka garnered international attention and recognition.
- The archaeological significance of Bhimbetka led to its declaration as a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1977.
- In 2003, Bhimbetka was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and historical importance.
In conclusion, V.S. Wakankar, an Indian archaeologist, discovered the caves of Bhimbetka during his expedition in 1957. His extensive research and excavations revealed the rich rock art heritage of the site, which has since been recognized and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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