Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Bhimbetka Caves

Introduction:

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Paleolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the Indian Stone Age. It is located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, near Abdullaganj town and inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. At least some of the shelters were inhabited by Homo erectus over 100,000 years ago.Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are some 30,000 years old.The caves also deliver early evidence of dance. They were declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.The name Bhimbetka is associated with Bhima, a hero-deity of the epic Mahabharata.The word Bhimbetka is said to derive from Bhimbaithka meaning "sitting place of Bhima".

Situated North-East of Bhopal, in the town of Raisen, ‘Udayagiri Caves’ are one of India’s most significant archaeological sites dating to the Gupta rule between 4th and 5th century AD. These caves are a treasure trove of rock-cut sculptures of numerous Hindu deities and Jain pantheons, illustrating a classical Gupta art. In all, the region is abound in around twenty caves out of which one is dedicated to Jainism and remaining nineteen to Hinduism. The most notable of all relief sculptures found in these historic caves, is the sculpture of Hindu God Vishnu depicted in the form of Varaha (boar) rescuing the Mother Goddess (Bhu Devi) from being drowned in an ocean. The site is also full of Sanskrit inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta I. On top of the hills dotted by these caves, one can also see some fine archaeological remains of Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples. If you are planning a trip to Sanchi from Bhopal, you can easily combine it with an excursion to this historically important, yet a little unknown site.

How To Reach:

Its Around 45 KM From Bhopal Taxi is a Best Way to Reach Bhimbetka However Some Buses Are Also Available From Bhopal.