2016-12-17 Sat

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological World Heritage site located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. They are the earliest traces of human life in India and show also the traces of dance from prehistoric times. Some of the Stone Age rock paintings found among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are approximately 30,000 years old (Palaeolithic Age). The paintings can be classified into seven periods which range from the Period I( Upper Paleolithic), Period II (Mesolithic), Period III(Chalcolithic), Period IV & V (Early History)and to Period VI & VII (Medieval).

The word Bhimbetka is said to derive from Bhimbaithka, meaning "sitting place of Bhima". Now whether the Pandava prince really sat there or not we can’t say for sure but it indeed is an amazing archaeological site showcasing a gradual evolution of man in India.

On 21st December 2013 India Post issued a special cover depicting one of the Rock paintings of Bhimbetka and on the left of the cover is a Warli painting stamp of Maharashtra. It also has a cancellation mark with ‘Bhimbetka- A Heritage of Great Civilisation’ in English and Hindi.

You must have this cover if you are into Ancient Indian Heritage!