In 1957, Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, an Indian archaeologist known as the "Father of Indian Rock Art Research," discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters. While traveling by train from Nagpur to Bhopal, he overheard a conversation about hillocks with large boulders and paintings, prompting him to jump off the train and explore the area. He discovered the shelters, which were hidden by dense forest and had been mentioned in tribal folklore.
In addition to Bhimbetka, Wakankar also uncovered the Kayatha culture in 1964. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1975.
Today, the Bhimbetka rock shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 2003 for their ancient rock art, which offers one of the earliest glimpses of human life in India. The caves are named after Bhima, a character from the Mahabharata.
In 1957, Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, an Indian archaeologist known as the "Father of Indian Rock Art Research," discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters. While traveling by train from Nagpur to Bhopal, he overheard a conversation about hillocks with large boulders and paintings, prompting him to jump off the train and explore the area. He discovered the shelters, which were hidden by dense forest and had been mentioned in tribal folklore.
In addition to Bhimbetka, Wakankar also uncovered the Kayatha culture in 1964. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1975.
Today, the Bhimbetka rock shelters are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized in 2003 for their ancient rock art, which offers one of the earliest glimpses of human life in India. The caves are named after Bhima, a character from the Mahabharata.