Lost in Transit, Found in Time: DU team spots possible prehistoric rock art site in Mirzapur

Group of DU researchers at exploring new rock site in Uttar Pradesh's Marihan tehsil.New Delhi: A wrong turn during a field visit has led a team from Delhi University’s department of anthropology to claim the discovery of a possible prehistoric rock art site in Chaukhada village of Marihan tehsil in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur.The find, termed “Chaukhada Rock Art”, was made after the team lost its way en route to a known site in the Kaimur region. If verified, the chance discovery could add a new site to UP’s prehistoric record.Led by Prof Manoj Kumar Singh and researcher Sudeshna Biswas, the team documented a cluster of sandstone rock shelters located nearly 2.5km from the village. The shelters bear red pigment paintings depicting human-like figures, animals, hunting scenes and group activity.

Based on stylistic features, the researchers suggest a possible Mesolithic origin (around 14,000–10,000 BP), though scientific dating is yet to be conducted.The motifs include anthropomorphic figures wielding bows and arrows, triangular-bodied forms and clustered compositions that indicate collective behaviour, Biswas explained.“In one panel, a palm-like imprint -- often associated with symbolic or ritual expression -- was also observed.

Variations in pigment intensity suggest that the shelters may have been used across multiple phases, from prehistoric to later periods,” she added.The site lies within the Vindhyan range, a region known for its prehistoric significance. According to the researchers, the landscape -- comprising sandstone formations, natural shelters and access to water and vegetation -- would have supported early human habitation.

They also pointed to similarities with rock art sites in Madhya Pradesh, indicating possible cultural and environmental continuities across central India.Highlighting the site’s vulnerability, the team noted visible damage, including scratches and overwriting on several panels. Local activity, including children playing in the shelters and ritual use of the space, has contributed to gradual deterioration.“Most of the damage we saw is not deliberate,” Prof Singh said. “It is largely due to a lack of awareness about what these paintings represent and how fragile they are.”The team plans to seek permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out detailed exploration and scientific analysis, he added.Prof S M Patnaik, director, Centre for Tribal Studies, Delhi University, said the site “holds immense promises for new revelation in culture and societies of prehistoric times”, adding that an anthropological approach could help interpret its symbolic meaning through engagement with local tribal communities.Underlining the potential for wider research in the region, Biswas said: “The terrain closely resembles that of MP, which has one of India’s largest clusters of painted rock art. Further studies in this region could provide valuable insights into the dispersal and continuity of early human settlements across the Vindhyan terrain.”The discovery, researchers said, may not be isolated, with the possibility of more undocumented sites in the surrounding areas warranting systematic exploration.Govt records show that while at least 16 rock art sites have been documented in the wider Mirzapur region, none are listed in Marihan, suggesting this could be a fresh addition, if confirmed.