Social- cultural Significance of Similar Motifs of The Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh: Wooden Art Vs Ancient Rock Art

Abstract

5000 painted Rock Shelters with 700 of them concentrated at Bhimbetka is the 3rd largest distribution in world, next to Africa and Australia. It is widely spread in Jammu and Kashmir., Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, U.P., M.P., Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and so on. In absence of script, it is a significant source of information about various components of past life ways namely, Material culture, Structures, Economic activities, Man-Animal relationship etc. Underlying purpose of rock art, its exact functions and location of motifs in hidden and dark places is not accurately understood, yet. The present communication aims to throw light on social - cultural aspects of ancient Rock art through ethno archaeological investigations of present-day art of main tribal communities living in the vicinity of Raigarh rock art sites.