Bhimbetka rock shelters, were naturally formed by wind and rain out of hills and boulders in this forested region during Paleolithic period more than 200,000 years ago. Series of natural rock shelters in these foothills of the Vindhya Range, central India were discovered and out of 760 rock shelters, about 500 are painted with scenes that depict local birds and animals, mythological figures, and everyday scenes of people hunting, playing and carrying weapons such as swords, spears and bows and arrows. Discovered in 1957, they are situated some 28 miles (45 km) south of Bhopal in west-central Madhya Pradesh state. The shelters were designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2003. The complex is surrounded by the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.
The paintings, which display great vitality and narrative skill, are categorized into different prehistoric periods. The oldest are dated to the Late Old Stone Age and consist of large linear representations of Rhinoceroses and bears. Paintings from Middle Stone Age times are smaller and portray, in addition to animals, human activities. Drawings from the Chalcolithic Period in early Bronze Age showcase the early humans’ conception of of agriculture. Finally, the decorative paintings dating to early historical times depict religious motifs, including tree gods and magical sky chariots.