Publications
The Primordial Palette: Global Reverberations of Symbolic Cognition in Deep Time Art
A global analysis of deep time art reveals shared cognitive underpinnings in human symbolic thought, transcending geographical and temporal barriers. The study synthesizes archaeological evidence from sites like Chauvet, Lascaux, Blombos Cave, Sulawesi, and Bhimbetka with insights from cognitive science and anthropology to identify recurring themes, motifs, and techniques across the Paleolithic to early Holocene epochs. By employing a comparative framework, researchers argue that complex symbolic art reflects universal cognitive architectures, suggesting parallel evolutionary trajectories in abstract thinking worldwide. This work challenges region-specific narratives by highlighting the interconnectedness of early human artistic endeavors, offering a holistic perspective on the origins of cultural diversity and the enduring role of art in shaping human cognition.
Social- cultural Significance of Similar Motifs of The Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh: Wooden Art Vs Ancient Rock Art
A striking similarity between ancient rock art and contemporary wooden art of tribal communities in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, suggests shared cultural motifs across millennia. This study reveals that motifs found in the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka—part of a vast distribution spanning India—mirror those crafted by present-day tribal artisans, hinting at enduring traditions. By analyzing 700 concentrated rock shelters, the research sheds light on social and cultural aspects of past societies, including material culture, economic activities, and human-animal relationships. The investigation employs ethno-archaeological methods to compare ancient rock art with modern wooden art, offering insights into the enduring significance of these motifs despite their cryptic functions and hidden locations.
Biodeterioration Activity of Lichens Communities on Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka World Heritage Zone, Madhya Pradesh, India
A diverse array of 40 lichen species, organized into 10 distinct communities, thrives on the rock shelters of Bhimbetka. Dominated by crustose and squamulose lichens (21 species), followed by Physioid (8) and Teloschistacean (7) communities, these organisms play dual roles: they contribute to biodeterioration while also offering bioprotection. The study highlights the ecological significance of these lichen communities in a micro-climatic environment conducive to their colonization, providing insights into their complex interactions with the heritage structures.
Exploration and Documentation of Rock Art Sites in the Vindhyan hills of Madhya Pradesh (Central India) and implications for their conservation
A systematic survey of the Vindhyan hills, north of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, India, has uncovered over 1,479 individual rock paintings spread across 75 shelters. This discovery significantly expands the known inventory of rock art sites in this region, which had previously been understudied compared to nearby complexes like Bhimbetka and Adamgarh. The findings highlight the cultural richness of the central Narmada Basin and underscore the need for targeted conservation efforts to preserve these fragile heritage assets.
On‐and off‐site Raman study of rock‐shelter paintings at world‐heritage site of Bhimbetka
A Raman spectroscopy study of the rock-shelter paintings at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, identified mineral-based pigments used from prehistoric times to the 19th century. The research detected calcite, gypsum, hematite, whewellite, and goethite both on-site with a portable spectrometer and off-site with micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. This non-invasive method allowed for the precise identification of pigments even in tiny fragments (100–200 µm), providing insights into the materials used across different historical periods without damaging the artworks.
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