An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c18.s4: 13.4 State of Preservation

v1.c18.s4.1

Because of their different ages and uneven exposure to sun, rain and wind th rock paintings are found in various states of preservation. The older paintings are generally faded and smudged and have almost merged into the rock surface. Sometimes they are visible only after being moistened with water. Paintings on surfaces over which rain water has flowed for a long time are partially covered under layers of black moss. Calcium carbonate percolating from the rocks has sometimes formed a thick white film over the paintings. In some cases figures are mutilated due to chipping of rock surface, sometimes accelerated by fires lit on cave floors. Figures executed in a perishable opaque white colour are generally seen fragmented. In some cases paintings are covered by white or red washings done by hermits residing intermittently in the shelters. At BHIMBETKA, Bhopal and Mirzapur several shelters have been converted into cave temples. Vandalism, mainly by 'educated' urban visitors, has done considerable damage to paintings which are easily accessible as, for example, at ADAMGARH, Bhopal, Raisen, Bhojpur and BHIMBETKA.