Archaeological Survey of India confirms neolithic age rock carvings in Goa’s Mauxi village

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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).

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).

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.