Archaeological Survey of India confirms neolithic age rock carvings in Goa’s Mauxi village | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Archaeological Survey of India confirms neolithic age rock carvings in Goa’s Mauxi village

    Posted 28 May 2024

    2 min read

    Rock carvings were found etched into the meta basalt rock along the dry riverbed of the Zarme river.

    • The carvings are of animals such as zebus, bulls, and antelopes, alongside footprints and cupules (hemispherical cup-shaped depressions).

    Prehistoric rock paintings of India

    • Upper Palaeolithic Period 
      • In India, earliest paintings have been reported from this period. 
      • Linear representations, in green and dark red, of animal figures, such as bison, elephants, tigers etc. besides stick like human figures.
      • Sites: Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), Jwalapuram (Andhra Pradesh).
    • Mesolithic Period 
      • Largest number of paintings belong to this period. 
      • Human scenes predominate and depict hunting in groups and community dances. 
      • Animals were painted in naturalistic style and humans in stylistic manner. 
      • Sites: Pachmarhi and Adamgarh Hills (Madhya Pradesh)
    • Neolithic-Chalcolithic Period
      • Pottery and metal tools are shown but vividness and vitality disappear. 
      • Predominant colours are white and red, possibly made by grinding haematite and limestone respectively. 
      • Men appear adventurous and animals are shown more youthful and majestic
      • Sites: Chambal region, Daimabad (Maharashtra).

    Significance of Prehistoric Rock Paintings

    • Artistic: They depict the inner urge of prehistoric humans to express their experiences.
    • Social: They depict family life and the mundane events of daily life. 
      • These include hunting in groups, music, animal fighting, etc.
    • Cultural: They depict the clothing, food habits as well as ritualistic practises like community dancing, religious practices etc.
    • Environmental: These depict various animals such as horse, elephant, bison etc. and vegetation of the region. 
    • Tags :
    • Prehistoric Paintings
    • Bhimbetka
    • Neolithic Period
    • Mesolithic Period
    • Rock Painting
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