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Prehistoric and Historical Rock Art in Chhattisgarh: A Significant Archaeological Discovery

• In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed prehistoric remains along a riverbank in the Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh. This find, which highlights the existence of continuous settlements in the area from prehistoric times to the late medieval period, is being hailed as incredibly significant. The artefacts and tools were uncovered during an archaeological exploration conducted by the Chhattisgarh government's archaeological department in January this year. The site is located on the banks of the Renuka River (locally known as Renu) in the Mahespur area, approximately 40 km from the district headquarters of Ambikapur and around 350 km from Raipur.
• Chhattisgarh is known for its rich collection of rock paintings, which span from the Mesolithic to the Historical periods. Some of these rock paintings are believed to date back to prehistoric times, offering fascinating insights into the lifestyles and artistic expressions of early humans. The most prolific rock art sites in the state are found in Raigarh district, at locations such as Singhanpur, Kabra Pahar, Basnajhar, Ongna, Karmagarh, Khairpur, Botalda, Bhanwarkhol, Amargufa, Gatadih, Siroli Dongri, and Bainipahar. While some of these sites were previously known, several were discovered during a two-year survey in the district. These sites feature a variety of images, including snakes, birds, elephants, humped cattle, wild buffalo, wild boar, deer, rhinoceroses, human figures, mermaids, hunting scenes, geometric designs, agricultural activities, and dancing scenes, depicted in several colors.
• In the Kanker district, rock paintings are found in shelters at Udkuda, Garagodi, Khairkheda, Kulgaon, and Gotitola, featuring human figures, animal figures, palm prints, and bullock carts. The rock art sites of Ghodsar and Kohabaur in the Koria district are also noteworthy, showcasing paintings of human figures, animal figures, and daily life scenes, primarily painted in white. At Chitwa Dongri in Durg district, intriguing depictions include a Chinese figure riding a donkey, images of dragons, and agricultural scenes. Additionally, sites like Limdariha in Bastar district and Sitalekhni and Oogdi in Sarguja district have revealed numerous interesting rock paintings.
• Chhattisgarh is home to more than fifty rock art sites, ranging from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Historical period. These sites, though yet to be fully documented and researched, offer a remarkable glimpse into the ancient past and the rich cultural heritage of the region. The discovery of these prehistoric rock paintings, some dating back thousands of years, provides valuable insights into the lives of early human beings, making Chhattisgarh an important region for the study of prehistoric and historical art.

Prehistoric Rock paintings, Singharpur, Raigarh

• A painted shelter is located in Singhnpur, within the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. This south-facing shelter, naturally formed on a hill, lies 20 kilometers west of Raigarh. Positioned along the Bilaspur-Jharsuguda section of the Central Southeast Railway, it is situated just one kilometer from Bhupdevpur station. This site features one of the ancient sculptures found in Chhattisgarh, dating back approximately 30,000 years. 
• These artworks were discovered by Andersen around 1910. The first references to these paintings appeared in Indian publications in 1918, and the 13th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica featured an entry on Singhnpur in Raigarh district. Between 1923 and 1927, Shri Amarnath Dutt conducted a survey of the rock paintings in Raigarh and its surrounding areas. Significant information was later provided by Dr. N. Ghosh and D.H. Garden on this topic, followed by additional insights from Pandit Sri Lochan Prasad Pandey regarding the artwork.
• Over time, the images in this shelter have become faded due to natural wear and environmental factors. The paintings include depictions of stairs, mermaids, hunting scenes, lined dancers, and human figures. Notable features include unique representations of mermaids, kangaroos, animals, goats, and spirits. 
• Originally, 23 artworks were identified in this shelter, but only 13 remain. The long ladder-like depiction found here has been compared to similar imagery found in Australia. The artistic tradition of the indigenous people is still evident in the various animal figures, such as forest buffaloes, monkeys, lizards, and other paintings. These artworks provide valuable insights into the life, environment, and nature of the people who lived there. Images dating from the medieval to the historical period have been found in shelters located across the districts of Raigarh, Bastar, Kanker, Durg, and Korea. This monument is currently protected by the state of Chhattisgarh.

Kabra Pahad caves

• Raigarh district extends from the northeast to the southeast along the Odisha state border. Its northern region is characterized by forests, hills, and rugged terrain, while the southern part consists of typical grasslands. 
• The early inhabitants, unable to build houses like those of today, sought refuge in naturally formed caves to protect themselves from harsh weather and wild animals. These caves are known as shelters, or "houses of rocks."

Megalithic culture in Chhattisgarh

• Determining the exact transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic age in this region is challenging. The fortified hill near Bade Donger would have been particularly advantageous for Neolithic inhabitants. The Neolithic people produced an impressive array of ground and polished tools and pottery, many of which have been unearthed from sites such as Garhdhanora, Rajpur, Garhchandela, and Garhbodra in the Sabari and Indravati valleys. 
• One of the most significant achievements of the Neolithic people was the domestication of animals, marking a major step in their mastery over nature. As they began settling in grasslands, they also started cultivating vegetation and crops, transitioning from food gatherers to food producers. Although agriculture developed over time, it was still primitive compared to modern methods. This early form of agriculture, known as hoe-cultivation or the slash-and-burn method, is referred to as "dippa" or "penda" in the Gondi language.
• Interestingly, this primitive form of cultivation is still practiced by the Hill Maria tribe in the Abhujmarh area. Based on this, one could argue that the indigenous tribes of this region are direct descendants of the Neolithic age. The theory regarding the migration of Indus Valley people suggests that the Naga people migrated to this region around 1700 BC, leading to the emergence of a new, more primitive cultural stage. 
• Throughout the Maria Gond region, hundreds of megalithic tombs can be found, a tradition that remains alive today. The current practices of memorialization share many similarities with those of the megalithic period. However, it would be premature to conclude that today's tribal communities are direct successors of the megalithic period.