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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Deciphering cognitive paradigms of ancient humans : Rock Art of Central India

presenters

    Sudeshna Biswas

    Nationality: India

    Residence: Delhi

    Department of Anthropology University of Delhi

    Presence:Online

Keywords:

Rock art. Central India. Cognition. Themes. Aesthetics.

Abstract:

Rock art is a prevalent form of cultural expression across the globe, consistently reflecting ancient human societies' cultural, environmental, social, and cognitive aspects. India is home to a diverse collection of rock shelters that showcase a myriad of pictographs and petroglyphs. Central India is renowned for its distinct geographical characteristics and is home to a vast collection of rock art, representing an essential repository of artistic expression. The area is emblematic of notable UNESCO World Heritage sites, exemplified by Bhimbetka. It is widely recognised for its extensive assemblage of rock paintings dating from the early prehistoric period to the historic eras. This paper represents an initial report from the author's firsthand engagement in fieldwork and comprehensive documentation gathered during their research endeavours. The current site is situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its plentiful rock shelters and cave paintings. The site's prominent rock formations and artistic depictions indicate several dimensions of early human perception, cognitive approaches towards nature, and art and cultural depictions. The paper attempts to decipher an understanding of the usage of colours, contrast, themes, and panels to create a painting which essentially delves into the superior minds of the past ancestors. The primary objective of this pursuit is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetic elements present in the rock art of India through a thorough exploration of its evocative representations.