8 Incredible Cave Paintings In India That Will Amaze You

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Credits: Wikimedia Commons

1. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

Located in the Vindhya Hills, Bhimbetka is one of the oldest known rock art sites in India, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The site features over 700 rock shelters adorned with paintings.

2. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

These UNESCO World Heritage-listed caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE and are renowned for their exquisite Buddhist cave paintings. The murals depict the life of Buddha, Jataka tales, and various celestial beings.

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3. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Alongside the magnificent sculptures and architectural wonders, the Ellora Caves also contain some impressive paintings. These murals predominantly depict Buddhist themes, along with some Hindu and Jain motifs.

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4. Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka

Carved out of sandstone cliffs, the Badami Cave Temples feature vibrant paintings dating back to the 6th century CE. These paintings predominantly depict Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts.

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5. Edakkal Caves, Kerala

Situated in the Ambukuthi Hills, the Edakkal Caves contain Neolithic rock engravings and paintings dating back over 8,000 years. The paintings depict human and animal figures, symbols, and geometric patterns.

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6. Kupgal Pet, Karnataka

These lesser-known rock shelters in Karnataka feature prehistoric rock art dating back to the Iron Age. The paintings depict various motifs, including human figures, animals, weapons, and more.

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7. Sittanavasal Cave, Tamil Nadu

Located near Pudukkottai, the Sittanavasal Cave Temple is renowned for its exquisite frescoes dating back to the 7th century CE. The paintings predominantly depict Jain themes, including Tirthankaras, lotus ponds, and celestial beings.

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8. Usgalimal Rock Engravings, Goa

These rock engravings, dating back to the Mesolithic period (around 10,000 years ago), are among the oldest known rock art sites in India. The engravings depict a variety of animals, human figures, and geometric patterns.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Credits: Unsplash

These cave paintings not only represent the artistic skills of ancient inhabitants but also serve as important cultural and historical artefacts.