Ahtushi Deshpande's book 'Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh' was released online in June 2024 and officially launched at the India Habitat Centre on July 25th. The work will be showcased in Paris for two months starting November 2024 at the Médiathèque Edmond Rostand. This solo exhibition has been funded and supported by the City of Paris and HiRADA (Himalayan Rock Art Dataset).
Initial Launch: Online release on the Speaking Stones website, June 2024
Official Release: Held at the India Habitat Centre on July 25th, supported by Kri Foundation and Himalayan Environment Trust (HET)
This work with many firsts to its credit represents the first mainstream photographic documentation of Ladakh’s petroglyphs, achieved through over 18 visits spanning more than a decade
The Mumbai exhibition will be the first opportunity to view this work in India before it heads to Paris in November.
Exploring the World of Rock Art
Rock art, composed of symbols and marks painted or engraved onto natural rock surfaces, has been created worldwide for over 40,000 years. These ancient artworks can be found in deep caves, natural rock shelters, rocky outcrops, and open landscapes. The variety of motifs is remarkable, featuring images of animals and humans, along with representations of objects such as boats, weapons, and houses.
This form of expression is not only captivating but also shrouded in mystery. Many rock art pieces remain undeciphered, yet they serve as a vital link between the past and present. They invite us into an imaginative realm, offering insights into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. The enduring nature of these artworks inspires curiosity and wonder about the cultures that created them, leaving us with timeless questions about their meanings and purposes.
Petroglyphs: The Artistic Legacy of Early Human Societies
Petroglyphs, a form of rock art created by carving, engraving, or scratching the surface of stone, provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultures and beliefs of early human societies. These artworks reveal lighter layers beneath the rock's surface, with their depth and thickness varying based on the technique used—whether scratched, pecked, abraded, incised, or carved.
While petroglyphs are found worldwide—except in Antarctica—their prevalence is particularly notable in Africa. Scandinavia and Siberia also boast significant collections of these ancient engravings. Some of the earliest examples were discovered in the Altamira caves in Spain and Lascaux in France, iconic for their intricate depictions of animals and human figures dating back tens of thousands of years. The study of petroglyphs enriches our understanding of prehistoric art and provides valuable insights into our ancestors' social and spiritual lives.
Petroglyphs in Different Parts of India
The Konkan region of Maharashtra, especially around Ratnagiri and Rajajapur, is home to a remarkable collection of petroglyphs that significantly contribute to our understanding of rock art in India. These ancient carvings testify to the creativity and skills of early humans and represent some of the earliest evidence of rock art in Southern Asia.
Among the most notable sites is the Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh, housing an extensive array of prehistoric paintings and carvings dating back thousands of years. Additionally, the Adamgarh Hills features 11 shelters adorned with ancient petroglyphs, showcasing various compositions that include realistic figures and abstract motifs.
Travelers venturing into Ladakh have frequently noted the presence of rock art in this region, depicting a diverse range of subjects from animals to human figures, reflecting a rich tapestry of life and beliefs from bygone eras. Other significant sites include the Armamalai Cave in Tamil Nadu and Gemoor Khar in the Pachmarhi Hills, where similar motifs can be found.
These petroglyphs enrich our cultural heritage and invite further exploration into the artistic expressions and societal structures of ancient civilizations across India.