Rock art research forms a major component of the journal’s publications, documenting painted rock shelters and petroglyphs from the Vindhyan region, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Iran, and beyond.

Major Rock Art Sites

Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-2-02)

A monograph-length study by Vijay Kumar documenting 16 chapters on the rock paintings of Chitrakoot and Banda districts. The study covers chronology, styles, themes including hunting, fertility cults, serpent worship, and the evolution from rock paintings to ritual house paintings and medieval temples. It documents the transition from realism to stylization and draws parallels with Australian and San rock paintings.

Likhichhaj, Morena, Madhya Pradesh (VOL-3-01)

Located on the banks of the Asan River in the Chambal region, these rock shelters feature paintings classified into hunting-gathering scenes, cattle rearing, dancers/celebrations, and war scenes. The paintings use dark tan and light red colours applied with thick brushes.

Malaprabha Valley, Karnataka (VOL-2-04)

Systematic survey by Mohana R identified 90 localities across 35 rock art sites in the Malaprabha valley, including Pillugundu, Ramdevrugundu, and Tayyavvana Phadi. The paintings depict hunting, gathering, and pastoral lifestyles.

Tapka, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-11-01)

A newly discovered rock art site in the Sonbhadra region, continuing the rich tradition of rock art in the Vindhyan escarpment.

Tiran Petroglyphs, Isfahan, Iran (VOL-4-04)

Petroglyphs from three sites — Barzgaleh, Ahmad Reza spring, and Qomishloo — featuring ibex, chamois, gazelle, and human figures created by abrasion and engraving techniques.

Karadigudda, Karnataka (VOL-2-04)

Seven painted rock shelters around Karadigudda in Badami taluk, Bagalkot district, Karnataka, associated with the Malaprabha valley rock art complex.

Other Rock Art Studies

  • Cupules at Honnenahalli, Karnataka (VOL-3-01) — cup marks on a rock near Hirisave, Hassan district
  • Cupules at Rithi Ranjana, Maharashtra (VOL-4-02) — cupules from an excavated site near Nagpur
  • Rock paintings of Bargarh, Odisha (VOL-4-03) — recently explored prehistoric rock shelters
  • Rock art of Gurh Tehsil, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh (VOL-9-02) — preliminary discovery of rock art sites