Loveleen
Rock art paintings are the most interesting and informative cultural art representation of our heritage. In and around of Bhopal has many caves and sites which have these, many unprotected and also being destroyed by human interference or so called modernization by constructing hotels and colonies, or for beautification.
Bhopal and districts like Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha and Hoshangabad have many rock arts or paintings which are reflection of prehistoric cultural art. The ones protected are in Bhimbetika, Sanchi and Adamgarh. But there are many like Jhiri, Kathotia, and Satkunda and RamChajja which are largely unprotected sites. In this article I will be taking you through two sites namely Baba Jhiri and Satkunda. Both these sites get covered by green cover in monsoon. Yesterday I was at Baba Jhiri on Kolar dam road, it was completely hidden by green trees, in fact drone image one couldn’t see any caves from upside, rather green trees all around. Beautiful, but underneath lies rock caves which have color paintings, made with “Geru” which is found abundantly on the surface of lateritic deposit, pulverized and mixed with water or white with calcium deposit, mixed with water.
Jhiri is near Bhopal, on Kolar road, lies in protected jungle area, but for caves, which are being destroyed as people are unaware that these are history. Jhiri has paintings which have geometrical pattern, paining showing humped bull, animal horse fighters, deer’s, interestingly has art form similar to Rhinoceros, horses, pigs etc. In and around Jhiri has big stone which have got shapes, many a time looks like animals. These may have been naturally developed. The caves are on a small hilltop in these surroundings. The drive from Bhopal is very mesmerizing. It is a beautiful site covered with green all over and a treat to the eyes.
Satkunda is another site, which is located in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, though close to Bhopal. It is close to water body located nearby which has flora and fauna especially after rains and is place to visit in winters. Satkunda has paintings which are from Mesolithic and Chalcolithic period of our times, as shared by experts on rock paintings.
These paintings use three colours namely white, orange and red. It has beautiful depiction of animals like elephant, horse fighter, and fighter on horse throwing spear. Caves have paintings showing procession, which has horses adorned with dancing humans. In one of the caves, one can see beautifully decorated horse in orange colours with horseman sitting on black painted saddle cloth, entrancingly done which is beauty to eyes. One can also see hand marks, birds and dance forms on these rock caves. Only thing is be careful if one goes in both these caves, as one may have animal movement. Best is to take help of ones who understand these settings and is prepared to help you. Bees, snakes and other animals can be sited when one visit these caves, so one needs to take adequate care when visiting them.
