ASI to document, conserve 120 rock art sites in Odisha
Kendrapada: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plans to document and conserve around 120 rock art sites in Odisha. Currently, ASI is working on the conservation of Vikramkhol rock art, about 12 km from Belpahar in Jharsuguda district within Lakhanpur reserve forest, as it is the only rock art site under the ASI in the state.
“Most rock arts in the state include both geometric and non-geometric figures that represent a wide range of human expression. Vikramkhol discovered in 1933 is located near a seasonal stream which joins Ghoghor, a tributary of the Mahanadi. It features both engravings and paintings,” said superintending archaeologist, ASI, Puri circle, Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak.
He said the motifs include a diverse range of symbols, animal footprints, honeycomb patterns, cupules, and several inscription-like signs resembling Roman and Brahmi characters. “Excavations revealed an occupational deposit containing microlithic tools such as blades, flakes, and cores, along with grinding holes on the bedrock, which indicate pre-historic habitation and activity at the site,” said Garnayak. After the end of documentation, some important rock arts will get the ASI tag for proper conservation.
Another important rock art of Bhima Mandali is in Redhakhol tehsil of Sambalpur district. Most rock arts in Odisha are in remote or forested areas of Sambalpur and Sundargarh districts making them less accessible and visible to the general tourist population. The areas are not connected by proper roads and other infrastructure.
Rock arts refer to human-made markings on natural stone surfaces, created by carvings or paintings. “This ancient art form includes symbols, images of animals and people. It provides valuable insights into the daily life, beliefs, and culture of ancient and prehistoric peoples from a time before written records,” added Garnayak.
Many tourists, and even locals are largely unaware of the existence and significance of rock art sites. This lack of awareness contributes to neglect and even vandalisation of these valuable cultural heritage sites, added Garnayak.
Rock art tourism is one of the major tourism industries in many states. A large number of locals get employment due to development of eco-tourism in these areas. Tourists, particularly foreigners like rock arts, added Garnayak.
“Most rock arts in the state include both geometric and non-geometric figures that represent a wide range of human expression. Vikramkhol discovered in 1933 is located near a seasonal stream which joins Ghoghor, a tributary of the Mahanadi. It features both engravings and paintings,” said superintending archaeologist, ASI, Puri circle, Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak.
He said the motifs include a diverse range of symbols, animal footprints, honeycomb patterns, cupules, and several inscription-like signs resembling Roman and Brahmi characters. “Excavations revealed an occupational deposit containing microlithic tools such as blades, flakes, and cores, along with grinding holes on the bedrock, which indicate pre-historic habitation and activity at the site,” said Garnayak. After the end of documentation, some important rock arts will get the ASI tag for proper conservation.
Another important rock art of Bhima Mandali is in Redhakhol tehsil of Sambalpur district. Most rock arts in Odisha are in remote or forested areas of Sambalpur and Sundargarh districts making them less accessible and visible to the general tourist population. The areas are not connected by proper roads and other infrastructure.
Rock arts refer to human-made markings on natural stone surfaces, created by carvings or paintings. “This ancient art form includes symbols, images of animals and people. It provides valuable insights into the daily life, beliefs, and culture of ancient and prehistoric peoples from a time before written records,” added Garnayak.
Many tourists, and even locals are largely unaware of the existence and significance of rock art sites. This lack of awareness contributes to neglect and even vandalisation of these valuable cultural heritage sites, added Garnayak.
Rock art tourism is one of the major tourism industries in many states. A large number of locals get employment due to development of eco-tourism in these areas. Tourists, particularly foreigners like rock arts, added Garnayak.
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