First Evidence of Rock Art in Mangaluru city

Recently, Archaeologists found the first evidence of rock art in Mangaluru City near Boloor Panne Koteda Babbu Swamy shrine.

1. The rock art has a pair of human footprints, found on a natural stone boulder near the shrine.
2. These footprints might have been made in the first or second century AD.

Rock Art Tradition in India:

1. Rock art, including paintings and engravings on natural surfaces such as caves, shelters, and boulders, is a global phenomenon and one of humanity's earliest artistic expressions.
2. In India, rock art exhibits remarkable diversity in both style and subject matter, covering from the Upper Palaeolithic period to historic times, and even resonating in the artistic traditions of present-day tribal communities.

Rock Art Sites in India:

1. South India:

   1. Karnataka: Kupgal (Sanaganakallu), Badami, Maski, Piklihal, Tekkalakota.
   2. Andhra Pradesh: Budagavi, Chintakunta, Kethavaram, Kurnool.
   3. Tamil Nadu: Alambadi, Padiyandal.
   4. Kerala: Edakkal and Ezhuthupura rock shelters.

2. Lakhudiyar Rock Shelters, Uttarakhand:

   1. Notable prehistoric paintings, including scenes of hand-linked dancing human figures.

3. Vindhyan Region and Satpura Ranges:

   1. Bhimbetka (Raisen), Madhya Pradesh: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock shelters.
   2. Cave (Bhimbetka III F-24) petroglyphs: The oldest known rock art in the world.

4. Ajanta Rock Paintings, Maharashtra:

   1. Primarily depict Buddhist subjects and stories from the Jataka tales.
   2. Late 6th century CE painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani holding a lotus flower.

5. Ellora Paintings, Maharashtra:

   1. Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cave temples from the 8th to 10th centuries CE.
   2. Paintings with sharp features and pointed noses in the Jain caves.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi