The year 2021 witnessed an intriguing paleontological incident when reported fossils of the extinct species Dickinsonia, discovered in India’s Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, turned out to be a misidentification. Following a thorough investigation, researchers found that what was initially believed to be the ancient fossil was just wax smeared on a rock by a beehive.
An Overview of Dickinsonia
Dickinsonia is an extinct species that scientists consider as one of the earliest animals on Earth. These primitive creatures lived during the Ediacaran period, approximately between 600 and 500 million years ago. Predominantly inhabiting seabeds around Australia, China, Russia, and Ukraine, Dickinsonia creatures were classified as animals following the discovery of cholesterol molecules in their fossils.
The Significance of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters occupy a crucial position in archaeological circles due to its historical richness and evidence of prehistoric human life.
Period Span and History
These rock shelters trace back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, in addition, to striding into the historical period. They present some of the earliest signs of human existence in India and reveal traces of Stone Age commencing at the site in Acheulian times.
World Heritage Site Status
Certified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters spreads across a landscape featuring seven hills and housing over 750 rock shelters distributed over a space of 10 kilometers.
Discovery and Location
Located in the Raisen District, sandwiched between Hoshangabad and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, this notable site came forefront following its discovery by V S Wakankar in 1957. Situated 40 kilometers southeast of Bhopal, it nestles in the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains.
The Artistic Legacy of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Adding to the allure of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is a rich array of prehistoric cave paintings, some dating back to around 10,000 years old (c. 8,000 BCE), aligning with the Indian Mesolithic. Red and white hues dominate these artworks etched on cave walls reflecting lively scenes of singing, dancing, hunting, and other common activities of the inhabitants at the time. With the oldest painting in Bhimbetka estimated to be about 12,000 years old, these rock art forms indeed serve as a window into India’s distant past.