History, Art & CultureImportant2025-01-15

ASI Launches Survey at Odisha's Bhimmandali

In News

What Happened

In January 2025, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched an extensive excavation at the Bhimmandali mountains in Redakhol, Sambalpur district, Odisha. The survey was initiated after the discovery of over 45 rock shelters containing ancient tools and rock-cut paintings.

Why It Matters

The site is estimated to be 10,000 years old, meaning it belongs to the Stone Age and likely predates the Indus Valley Civilization. It provides crucial insights into the tool-making capabilities and early artistic expressions of South Asian hunter-gatherers.

Background

History & Context

While local traditions previously linked the Bhimmandali site to the Mahabharata era, recent explorations by Gangadhar Meher University and INTACH highlighted its prehistoric significance. The ASI, led by Superintending Archaeologist DB Gadnayak, subsequently intervened to conduct formal surveys. To protect the fragile artifacts, the team is digging manually at a rate of roughly one centimeter per day.

What Changed

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BEFORE: The site was primarily associated with local folklore and the Mahabharata era without scientific validation. NOW: It is officially recognized and surveyed by the ASI as a major Mesolithic settlement dating back 10,000 years.
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BEFORE: Prehistoric rock art in India was heavily localized to known central Indian sites like Bhimbetka. NOW: The discovery in Odisha expands the geographical map of India's early human artistic expression eastward.
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BEFORE: The artifacts were exposed and unrecorded in the protected forests of Chhatagada and Brahmani. NOW: The ASI is digitally documenting tools like stone blades, scrapers for leatherwork, and rock paintings made from iron oxide.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This discovery strongly connects to Class 11 Fine Arts Chapter 1, 'Prehistoric Rock Paintings', which discusses the evolution of early human art. Similar to the Bhimbetka shelters mentioned in the NCERT, the Bhimmandali site features prehistoric artists using natural pigments like iron oxide to depict their daily lives.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

With reference to the archaeological discoveries at the Bhimmandali mountains, consider the following statements: 1. The site is located in Odisha and features prehistoric rock paintings created using natural iron oxide pigments. 2. The excavated artifacts are believed to belong to the Iron Age and post-date the Harappan civilization. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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