Context:

Rudragiri hillock, unveils a fascinating combination of prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period and exquisite artwork from the Kakatiya dynasty

About Rudragiri Hillock:

• Location: Rudragiri Hillock is located amidst the Eastern Ghats.
• These served as living quarters for people during the Mesolithic age around 5000 B.C., and they bear witness to the luminous rock paintings of that era.
• Two natural caves are located at the southern end of the hillock which exhibit exceptional murals from the renowned Kakatiya kingdom.
  • Murals are large-scale artworks that are typically painted or applied directly onto walls, ceilings, or other large surfaces. 

Caves:

• The first cave presents a narrative mural portraying the intense battle between the Vanara brothers, Vali and Sugriva. 
• In the middle cave, a grand sketch of Hanuman, accompanied by sacred symbols of the conch (Sankha) and the fire altar (Yagna Vedi), captures visitors’ attention.

Image Credits: The Hindu

• The third cave houses the prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic era.

Mesolithic­ Era:

• The Mesolithic Age, also known as the Middle Stone Age, was the second part of the Stone Age.
• Spread: Rajasthan, south of the river Krishna, central and eastern parts of India, and also in southern Uttar Pradesh. 
• Time Period: In India, it spanned from 9,000 B.C. to 4,000 B.C. 
• Characteristics:
  • This age is characterized by the appearance of Microliths (small bladed stone tools). 
  • The Mesolithic Age was a transitional phase between the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age. 
  • The people of this age lived on hunting, fishing, and food gathering; later on they also domesticated animals.

News Source: The Hindu