Significance of Palm and Foot prints depicted in rock paintings among tribes “With special references to Chhattisgarh Region”

Nitesh Kumar Mishra¹, Bhagyashree Diwan², Dhal Singh Dewangan³

¹SoS in AIHCA, Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.)

²SoS in AIHCA, Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.)

³IBITF, IIT, Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.)

Abstract

In this paper, I have described about hand and foot prints found in the rock paintings of Chhattisgarh. Despite the death of the rock paintings, the development of this tradition is still visible among the tribes. The tribal community considers these hand and foot prints sacred and respects them. This is reflected in their belief or superstition. They consider it both positive and negative. This paper also includes the details of the palm prints and foots prints of various site of Chhattisgarh. Special focus is given to the ethno archaeological study of palm and foot prints found in the rock arts.

Key words: Petroglyph, Pictograph, Geoglyph, Primitive, Prehistory, Priti Paksha, Sohrai, Ethno archaeology, Stencil hand prints, Tribal, Gond tribe 

Introduction

Since the origin of man, our ancestors have faced many challenges ranging from extreme cold, unbearable heat, torrential rains and harsh winds to the dangers of ferocious wild animals. To stay safe from natural calamities and the obstacles around them, they took refuge in caves built in dense forests. Their emotions within natural sanctuaries gave birth to the earliest form of artistic expression in the form of rock paintings. The first rock painting renderings were a testimony to human ingenuity and creativity. Using natural colors, our ancestors brought their thoughts, art and experiences to life on the walls of their caves.¹ These primitive creative forms of art are known as rock paintings. Rock paintings represent a glorious historical tradition of life philosophy, emotions and activities of our ancient ancestors. Rock paintings are matchless for their durability, having stood the test of time for thousands of years. Though affected by rain, heat and erosion, they continue to be an essential part of our cultural heritage.  Pictographs: Colorful paintings made using natural colors such as red, white, yellow, blue, black and green. Petroglyphs: Designs carved on stone using stone tools. Geoglyphs: Large designs carved on rocks found on the surface of the earth.² Rock paintings include a variety of styles: Representational: These are accurate depictions of everyday life. Decorative: These are depictions of intricate designs and patterns. Naturalistic: These are realistic depictions of animals and landscapes.³ Geometric: These are depictions of abstract shapes and symbols. These artworks often consist of single-line drawings, shaded shapes and geometric designs that adorn human and animal forms. During the prehistoric period, the artistic skills of humans continued to develop.Our ancestors invented stone tools to survive, which increased their efficiency. Primitive humans were adept at making stone tools, and their remarkable artistry is also evident in their rock paintings. These artifacts adorn many caves, shelters and mountains, many of which are revered as sacred sites by various tribal communities. Rock paintings serve as important archaeological evidence and historical chronicles that shed light on the lives of primitive humans. They not only showcase the creativity, intelligence and artistic skills of our ancestors but also glorify the ancient glorious history. These primitive storytellers have given us a rich cultural heritage that inspires wonder and awe. Rock paintings present a testament to human resilience, creativity and the enduring power of art. When we marvel at these primitive masterpieces, we are reminded of our common heritage and the infinite potential of the human spirit.

Literary review

Chhattisgarh is not only blessed with natural beauty but also with its history, filled with archaeological treasures waiting to be discovered. Despite its immense importance, research work in this field has been sporadic and lacking in depth. This article explores the fascinating world of rock art in Chhattisgarh, which sheds light on the prehistoric past and cultural practices of the region that shape its identity. The mountain ranges of Chhattisgarh are dotted with numerous natural shelters and caves that contain prehistoric rock art. One such site, Bhawarkhol (Murelgarh), was discovered by Meenakshi Dubey Pathak, which yielded intricate designs, animal figures and handprints. The discovery sparked interest in the rock art of the region, leading to further research.  A comprehensive study titled "Ethno-archaeological Study of Rock Paintings of Bastar Region" by Dr. Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Dr. Anshu Mala Tirkey and Baleshwar Kumar Besara presents valuable facts about the rock art of Bastar.Researchers discovered a rock art site called Kupagondi, which contains hand and footprints, which hold significant cultural significance for the Gond tribe. According to local folklore, the Kupagondi site is associated with Budkal Rao Devta, the deity of the forest, who protects crops from wild animals and insects. The Gond tribe highly respects Budkal Devta, offering him a white rooster, white goat, coconut, mahua and incense annually. This rock art site mainly consists of hand and footprints, with six right hand palm prints and two left hand palm prints, as well as a turtle and a child's footprints clearly visible. Meenakshi Dubey Pathak's article, "Hands in Chhattisgarh Rock Art", highlights the prevalence of handprints in the rock art of the region. She describes in her article that handprints are also found on the walls of village houses, which act as a protective symbol and establish a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.  The persistence of ancient traditions in India, particularly in Chhattisgarh, allows for a better understanding of the motivations behind handprint creation. Footprints, though less common, have different meanings depending on their location. In some parts of the state of Chhattisgarh, auspicious marks made on house walls represent the hands of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The rock art of Chhattisgarh is evidence of the rich cultural heritage of the region, offering glimpses into its prehistoric past and ongoing cultural practices. More research is necessary to unravel the mysteries hidden within these ancient symbols, in order to shed light on the lives of the people who created them. By exploring the rock art of Chhattisgarh, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of the region and its contribution to India's diverse cultural landscape.

Aim of study

The aim of this article is to develop an understanding of the subject matter of rock paintings. Many researches have been done on their symbols at the global level. There are many views on hand and foot prints in Chhattisgarh. They have different significance and traditions in non-tribal and tribal society. Non-tribal society considers hand and foot prints auspicious as symbols of goddess of wealth Lakshmi. These symbols are made on the walls of the house and the entrance of the house through rangoli. The importance of these symbols is associated with the happiness, prosperity and wealth of the house whereas tribal society makes these symbols to protect the good and bad spirits of the dead ancestors. This is a sign of their tantra mantra and superstition. For this, they follow many traditional practices with complexity. Sacrifice and offering of liquor are very important for them.

Research methodology

The aim of this study is to uncover the untold stories of Chhattisgarh's rock art through an in-depth and interdisciplinary research approach and to create a systematic history. Fieldwork, community engagement and historical analysis are combined to shed new light on the cultural heritage of the region and add to the existing body of knowledge. Primary data were collected through fieldwork and direct contact with indigenous tribes living in the region. This included participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Collaborative documentation was done with local communities to interpret the rock art figures to ensure that cultural context and significance were accurately captured. A comprehensive historical and ethno-archaeological study was undertaken to analyses the rituals, craftsmanship and symbolism inherent in the rock paintings. This developed an understanding of comparing and contrasting the rock art with similar art forms and rituals practiced by local tribes. A detailed analysis of the figures present in the rock art was done to try to understand their meaning, significance and cultural relevance.  The findings of this study will add a new chapter to the history of the Chhattisgarh region and enrich our understanding of the rich cultural diversity of India.

Geographical background

Nestled in the heart of India, Chhattisgarh is a unique state of natural resources, rich history and cultural diversity.⁴to understand the essence of the territory of this captivating state, it is essential to delve into its geographical and historical background. Chhattisgarh, whose ancient name was known as Dakshin Kosala, is spread over 1, 35,191 square kilometers, bordered by seven Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Its longitude ranges from 80º 15´ East to 84º 25´ East, while its latitude extends from 17º 46´ North to 24º 5´ North.⁵ Chhattisgarh has an impressive array of natural resources, which include: Spectacular mountain ranges: Sihawa, Maikal and Himgiri. Majestic rivers: Shivnath, Mahanadi, Hasdo and Kharun.  Fertile Soils: Kanhar (black soil), Matasi (red-yellow soil), Bhata (laterite soil) and Dorsa (loamy soil). The region is characterized by a tropical climate: hot and humid summers (up to 45ºC/113´F). Average rainfall 1292 mm. Typical seasons: summer (16 February - 15 June), monsoon (16 June - 15 October) and winter (16 October - 15 February) The diverse soils of Chhattisgarh support a variety of crops: Kanhar Soil: Ideal for gram, cotton, oilseeds, wheat, pulses and soybean. Matasi Soil: Suitable for rice, wheat, soybean and pulses. Bhata Soil: Found in hilly areas, rich in iron and aluminum. Dorsa Soil: Composed of granite rocks.⁶ These forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife, including: tigers, leopards, bears, jackals, various bird species.  The state's many rivers have nourished human civilizations, while its mountains have played a vital role in shaping its history and culture. Chhattisgarh's harmonious blend of geography and history has produced a rich cultural heritage. Understanding this relationship helps to understand the significance of the region and its contribution to India's diversity.

Analysis

Ethno archaeological study of palm and foot prints

Palm prints in rock paintings have many meanings. These marks can be easily seen in the houses of the tribal community. These palm prints are mainly made in the houses for two reasons. The first reason is to keep evil powers or evil spirits out of the house. The second reason is to keep the blessings of the holy power or Holy Spirit always on the house. The tradition of making palm prints on the walls of houses in the tribal community on any special festival or celebration has been going on since ancient times. The source of making these paintings has been inspired by rock paintings in some form or the other. In the tribal society, palm prints are made in houses and on the bodies of animals during a special festival celebrated mainly as Sohrai livestock. Red color is especially made in houses and on the bodies of animals to stop evil powers. The tribal community believes that red handprints in houses are sanctified by a symbolic goddess power to stop any evil power which stops them from entering the village or houses.Similarly, red handprints are made symbolically on animals to protect them from disease or premature death. In tribal Sohrai festival, red color is used in handprints on the back of animals to symbolically show sacrifice to Goddess Shakti. The practice of sacrificing animals and birds is traditional in Sohrai festival. In this festival, tribal people sacrifice animals in a crude manner by considering a black hen, black goat or black pig as evil power. They leave the black hen in a crowd of many people and all the people sacrifice the hen by hitting it with sticks and kicking it. The dead hen is thrown outside the village or in the river. The logic of the tribal society behind this tradition is that they drive the evil spirit or power out of the village by beating it collectively. Similarly, in many villages, people tie a rope to one leg of a black pig in a crowd of many cows, bulls or buffaloes and tie the other end of the rope to the legs of a cow or bull and leave it in the middle of the herd of cows and bulls.  Due to which cows and bulls get scared and sacrifice piglets by kicking them. In this also the same logic is given that animals also kill the evil spirit or disease and run away.They said that in earlier times, during sacrifice, the blood of animals and birds was applied to houses and the bodies of animals, but now people use red colors instead of blood. Thus, red handprints are made on houses or animals' bodies as a symbol of resistance. White handprints are made on houses or wedding urns on auspicious occasions like marriage as a symbol of the holy spirit. White handprints are a symbol of the blessings of the holy spirit. Tribal communities mix rice flour in water to make white hands and apply it on houses or urns. These white handprints are used in auspicious functions as a blessing of the souls of ancestors. These symbols are made for a successful married life. Before making these handprints, the Baiga or priest of the village performs all kinds of prayers and makes this picture on the urn and the door of the house. The second belief is that when the baraatis enter the bride's house during marriage, the souls of all the ancestors of the groom's side can be welcomed by these pictorial symbols of the bride's side.

Pitri Paksha is celebrated by the Halba tribe of Bastar. Pitri Paksha is celebrated for the peace of the soul of ancestors. On the day of Pitra Paksha festival, the Halba tribe offers water in the name of their ancestors. Women of this community make a Chowk with rice flour. In this Chowk, various deities are given place in many parts. Various types of paintings are done in this Chowk such as the feet of the soul of ancestors, things related to them like Khadau, stick, pot, plow, pata, mortar, musara, aarti, umbrella, jhara, sihad leaf, cow's foot, vegetables like pumpkin, gourd, gourd, cucumber etc. Apart from this, children's swings and their small footprints are made. Pavilions are also made to welcome the soul of ancestors. Five flowers are made, which symbolize 5 generations.⁷  On the special day of Pitra Paksha, moong dal, flowers, Karanja and acacia twigs, rice or wheat bread are prepared on this day and the ancestors are first offered the vegetable of the gourd and honored and a group feast is organized by the family members and relatives. From this day onwards, there is a tradition of eating new vegetables and new works are started.

11 handprints have been found at a place called Kherkheda in Bastar. In which the length of the hand is 12 cm, 17 cm and 16 cm respectively. All of them are red in color. Five pairs of footprints have also been found at the same site, in which the length of the foot is 9 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm and three are of 10 cm respectively. From the same site, handprints of 6 cm and 19 cm in yellow and red color have been found. A handprint of 20 cm in dark red has been found. Handprints and footprints have also been found from a place called Udakuda in Kankar, but these marks have faded. From a place called Kupagondi in Keshkal of Kondagaon, the length of the right handprint in red color has been found to be 17 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm respectively. Two pairs of left handprints of 16 cm and 14 cm in length have been found.  Apart from this, two pairs of handprints of length 20 cm and 12 cm respectively have been found from this site. A pair of small child’s footprints has been found of length 12 cm.

Three handprints have been found in a site named Lingodarha in Keshkal of Bastar which are 16 cm in red colour. Similarly, two handprints have been found from a site named Uparbedi. Five handprints in dark red colour have been found from a site named Lahuhattha (Manjhimgarh) in Keshkal whose length is 18 cm 16 cm 16 cm 14 cm and 17 cm respectively. Seven pairs of handprints have been found from a site named Mutekdaka in Keshkal which are 16 cm long. Baby handprints of length 11 cm and 9 cm respectively have been found. Apart from this, four handprints of 18 cm have also been found. 12 handprints of 13 cm in red colour have been found from a site named Singer Patthar in Kanker.  Five right hand prints in red colour measuring 14 cm have been found from Patai Dongri in Kanker. 11 right hand prints have been found from a site called Hatha Gud(Mankesari) in Kanker.

Conclusion

The handprints and footprints found in the rock paintings of Chhattisgarh are also seen in the traditional traditions of the tribes. These handprints and footprints show both positive and negative aspects. Their rituals, festivals and art have developed from these. Their joy and sorrow are expressed in these traditions. White handprints show their joy, while on the other hand, red handprints are made to prevent sorrows like illness and premature death. Stencils type of handprints show negativity. Halba tribal women make footprints by remembering them as the souls of their ancestors whereas for non-tribals, it is considered auspicious as the feet of Lakshmi. Why were different types of symbols and geometric shapes made in rock paintings? A clear answer to this has not been found till now. An attempt should be made to find the answer to this in the traditional traditions, art and culture of the tribes. Only then will we be able to uncover the correct facts and present a proper analysis of the rock paintings.

Reference

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