An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c18.s2.1

v1.c18.s2.1

Sites with paintings are usually situated in areas covered with thick forest vegetation and close to water sources. Shelters which are located at some height from the surroundings ground or near the top of steep ridges were preferred for painting, probably because they provided a commanding view of the valleys and surrounding countryside. In the PACHMARHI area the painted shelters are generally situated at places accessible only with difficulty. Well-lighted shelters were specially selected for painting activity. An interesting feature is that shelters used as dwelling places by man are usually always poor in paintings. On the other hand small shelters, niches and high steep faces of rocks are the main focus of paintings. Smoothness of the rock surface was not always a factor in the choice of a spot for painting; uneven surfaces and depressions also have paintings. Most of the paintings are found on the ceiling and inner walls of the shelters.