From Survival to Symbolism: Prehistoric Cave Occupation and Rock Art Traditions in India with Special Reference to Likhi Chaaj Rock Shelter in Madhya Pradesh

Mamta Kumari

Prehistoric cave sites in India provide vital evidence for understanding the transition of early human communities from basic survival strategies to complex symbolic expressions. This paper explores prehistoric cave occupation and rock art traditions in India with special reference to Likhi chaaj in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting how caves functioned not only as shelters but also as spaces for social interaction, ritual activity, and symbolic communication. Drawing upon archaeological evidence from major sites such as Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, the rock shelters of the Vindhyan ranges, Kaimur hills, and parts of the Deccan plateau, the study examines the relationship between habitation patterns and the emergence of visual culture. Material remains including stone tools, hearths, faunal assemblages, and occupation floors reveal adaptive strategies related to hunting, gathering, and environmental exploitation during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods. Parallel to these survival-oriented practices, the presence of rock paintings depicting animals, hunting scenes, human figures, and geometric motifs reflects an evolving symbolic consciousness. These artistic expressions suggest the development of shared beliefs, social identities, and modes of communication within prehistoric communities. By examining the continuity and transformation of cave use across millennia, this study positions Indian cave sites as dynamic cultural landscapes. Ultimately, the research demonstrates that prehistoric caves in India offer crucial insights into the shift from survival-driven existence to symbolic and cognitive complexity, making them indispensable windows into human prehistory.