IN A discovery that sheds new light on the region’s ancient past, prehistoric rock paintings have been found inside a natural cave at Gadpahad hill in Jaymarga village of Jashpur district. The finding not only highlights the archaeological richness of the area but also provides compelling evidence of early human habitation, preserved through striking visual expressions that have endured the passage of time. Jashpur, long celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, is equally significant from an archaeological standpoint. The region’s captivating landscapes, marked by cascading waterfalls, rugged mountains and naturally formed caves, continue to draw visitors from far and wide. The discovery at Gadpahad further elevates its importance as a site of historical and cultural relevance. Jaymarga village, located approximately 30 kilometers from the Jashpur district headquarters, falls under the Dadgaon Gram Panchayat in Manora block and has a population of nearly 1,400 residents. The village is well connected by road, making it accessible to visitors and researchers alike. From Jaymarga, the cave can be reached by a trek of about 300 meters up Gadpahad hill, cutting through dense forest terrain. The site is not only of archaeological importance but also holds local cultural significance, as villagers frequently visit the cave to offer prayers. According to the Archaeologists Dr Anshumala Tirkey and Baleshwar Kumar Besra, Jaymarga and its surrounding areas are rich in prehistoric remains.

 

The region’s natural landscape, comprising forests, hills, and a river, would have provided early humans with essential resources such as food, water, and shelter, making it an ideal habitat. The cave contains rock paintings depicting human figures, animals, geometric patterns, and several unidentified forms, rendered in red and white pigments. Among the animals illustrated are bulls, leopards, and deer, alongside human figures that hint at daily life and hunting practices. Archaeological findings at the site include tools dating back to the Mesolithic period. Microlithic implements such as lunates, scrapers, points, trapezoids, side scrapers, and blades have been discovered, indicating their use in hunting and other survival activities. Experts believe the cave may have functioned as a strategic lookout point, enabling prehistoric inhabitants to monitor wildlife movements. The presence of hematite, a mineral used for pigment production, further supports the theory that these paintings were created locally using available natural resources. Interestingly, stylistic differences among the artworks indicate that the cave was used across multiple time periods, with some paintings belonging to an earlier phase and others to a later era. This discovery not only enhances Jashpur’s archaeological profile but underscores the importance of preserving and studying such invaluable heritage sites, which continue to illuminate humanity’s distant past.