Prehistoric Rock Paintings

Vocabulary flashcards covering the discovery, locations, techniques, and historical periods of prehistoric rock art in India.

Prehistory

The distant past before the invention of paper, language, books, and written documents.

Upper Palaeolithic Period

The period during which artistic activity increased significantly and the earliest paintings in India were discovered.

Archibold Carlleyle

The archaeologist who made the first discovery of prehistoric rock paintings in India during 1867-68.

Altamira Cave

A famous site in Spain where rock paintings were discovered twelve years after the first discovery of Indian rock paintings.

Lakhudiyar

A prehistoric site on the banks of the River Suyal in Uttarakhand whose name literally means "one lakh caves."

Stick-like forms

The simple style in which human beings are represented in the rock paintings at Lakhudiyar.

Superimposition

The practice of executing newer paintings directly over older ones, indicating layers of artistic activity over time.

Neolithic Period

A development stage whose paintings in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are found on granite surfaces at sites like Kupgallu, Piklihal, and Tekkalkota.

Bhimbetka

The largest and most spectacular prehistoric rock shelter site in India, located in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh.

V. S. Wakankar

The eminent archaeologist who discovered the caves of Bhimbetka during 1957-58.

Period I (Bhimbetka)

The Upper Palaeolithic phase of Bhimbetka paintings, characterized by linear representations in green and dark red.

Period II (Bhimbetka)

The Mesolithic phase, which contains the largest number of paintings at Bhimbetka, often featuring hunting scenes.

Period III (Bhimbetka)

The classification phase representing the Chalcolithic period in the Bhimbetka rock paintings.

Geru

The popular Indian name for the red pigment obtained from haematite used by prehistoric artists.

Chalcedony

A green variety of stone from which prehistoric artists obtained green pigment.

Wash technique

A specific painting method used for a few Upper Palaeolithic animals at Bhimbetka.

Rock Art

An ancient form of artistic expression found on surfaces of caves and rocks, often depicting animals, human figures, and symbols.

Cave Paintings

Artworks created on cave walls and ceilings, mainly during the Upper Palaeolithic era, often showcasing the lives and environment of prehistoric humans.

Cultural Significance

The importance of prehistoric rock paintings as they reflect the beliefs, customs, and social structures of ancient civilizations.

Anthropological Studies

Research that examines prehistoric art to understand human evolution, behavioral patterns, and cultural development.

Dating Techniques

Methods used in archaeology to determine the age of rock paintings, such as carbon dating and relative dating.

Preservation Challenges

Issues related to the conservation of rock art, including environmental factors, human impact, and natural erosion.

Ethnoarchaeology

A discipline that studies contemporary cultures to interpret archaeological findings, including art forms.

Symbolic Representation

The use of symbols in prehistoric art to communicate ideas, beliefs, or stories, often transcending language.

Geographical Distribution

The spread of rock art sites across different regions, showcasing the diversity of prehistoric cultures worldwide.