Among the numerous cultural manifestations in India, rock art is one of the most magnificent expression of the creativity of our ancestors. Indian rock art is mostly known from the Bhimbetka painted shelters in Madhya Pradesh which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. Madhya Pradesh also is the Indian State with most rock art sites, probably over two thousand. The present volume aims to make the general public aware of these cultural riches. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the villages adjacent to the sites bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings. On visiting the sites, one becomes aware of the ongoing ceremonial practices being performed by the tribal villagers, for whom the age-old rock art is still alive. The painted shelters are thus places of power and divinity from where they expect to get their wishes fulfilled. The present work attempts to document these traditional beliefs about the sites and the art, including different forms of tribal art, before they are lost forever. Since the Mesolithic and perhaps before, rock shelters have thus been perceived as numinous places where one could get in touch with supernatural powers – whatever names and attributes they were given – in order to further one’s wishes. The authors’ own wish would be that the values of rock art sites be recognised and more efforts be made to manage and protect them. May this book contribute to it! Contents: Preface Introduction 1. A Few Facts about Madhya Pradesh ......................................................................................................... Location and Climate ........................................................................................................ Rivers and Mountains Ecology, National Parks and Their Fauna ................................................................................................................ Population ........................................................................................................ Historical Background ................................................................................................................ Conclusion 2. Rock Art Sites in Madhya Pradesh ..................................................................................................... In the Centre of the State ........................................................................................................... North of the State ........................................................................................................... South of the State East of the State ........................................................................................................... West of the State ................................................................................................................ Conclusion 3. The Main Characteristics of Madhya Pradesh Rock Art .......................................................................................... The Places Chosen for Creating Rock Art ........................................................................................................ The Techniques Used .................................................................................................... The Subjects Represented ........................................................................................................ Chronology of the Art ....................................................................................................... Preservation of the Art 4. Modern Use of Rock Art Sites in Madhya Pradesh ..................................................................... Perpetuation of Ritual Ceremonies and Practices in Painted Shelters ............................................................................................ Sanctuaries Next to the Painted Sites ....................................................................................... Transformation of the Sites into Sanctuaries ................................................................................................................ Conclusion 5. Rock Art and Tribal Art ..................................................................................................... Rock Art and Tribal Beliefs ..................................................................................................... Who Made the Paintings? Conclusion Bibliography Acknowledgements About the Authors