With reference to the Upper Palaeolithic paintings at Bhimbetka, consider the following statements: 1. They are characterized by linear representations of huge animal figures. 2. Green paintings depict dancers, while red paintings depict hunters. 3. The paintings are predominantly executed in red and green colours. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only Explanation The question pertains to the characteristics of Upper Palaeolithic rock paintings, specifically those found at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. These paintings provide insights into the prehistoric art and life of early humans. Statement-wise Analysis 1. Statement 1: They are characterized by linear representations of huge animal figures. Correct. Early rock paintings, particularly from the Upper Palaeolithic period, often feature large animal figures such as bison, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. These representations are typically linear, focusing on the outlines and basic forms of the animals. 2. Statement 2: Green paintings depict dancers, while red paintings depict hunters. Incorrect. The colour usage in Bhimbetka paintings is not strictly categorized in this manner. While both red and green colours are used, there is no definitive rule that green paintings exclusively depict dancers and red paintings exclusively depict hunters. Different colours were used for various subjects, and the themes often overlapped. 3. Statement 3: The paintings are predominantly executed in red and green colours. Correct. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka exhibit paintings predominantly in red and green, along with white and yellow. Red, derived from haematite (geru), and green, derived from chalcedony, are among the most common colours used by the prehistoric artists. Key Takeaway Upper Palaeolithic paintings at Bhimbetka feature linear representations of large animal figures and are predominantly executed in red and green colours.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 1: Prehistoric Rock Paintings

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With reference to the Upper Palaeolithic paintings at Bhimbetka, consider the following statements:

They are characterized by linear representations of huge animal figures.
Green paintings depict dancers, while red paintings depict hunters.
The paintings are predominantly executed in red and green colours.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 3 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The question pertains to the characteristics of Upper Palaeolithic rock paintings, specifically those found at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. These paintings provide insights into the prehistoric art and life of early humans.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: They are characterized by linear representations of huge animal figures.
Correct. Early rock paintings, particularly from the Upper Palaeolithic period, often feature large animal figures such as bison, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. These representations are typically linear, focusing on the outlines and basic forms of the animals.
Statement 2: Green paintings depict dancers, while red paintings depict hunters.
Incorrect. The colour usage in Bhimbetka paintings is not strictly categorized in this manner. While both red and green colours are used, there is no definitive rule that green paintings exclusively depict dancers and red paintings exclusively depict hunters. Different colours were used for various subjects, and the themes often overlapped.
Statement 3: The paintings are predominantly executed in red and green colours.
Correct. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka exhibit paintings predominantly in red and green, along with white and yellow. Red, derived from haematite (geru), and green, derived from chalcedony, are among the most common colours used by the prehistoric artists.

Key Takeaway

Upper Palaeolithic paintings at Bhimbetka feature linear representations of large animal figures and are predominantly executed in red and green colours.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Prehistoric Rock Paintings

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The presence of rock paintings in shelters not used for habitation suggests that these sites likely served as:

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Which of the following themes are depicted in the Mesolithic paintings of Bhimbetka? 1. Women grinding and preparing food. 2. Children running, jumping, and playing. 3. Men wearing elaborate silk garments. 4. Elaborate royal court scenes with kings and ministers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the non-figurative elements in Bhimbetka rock shelters: 1. Hand prints are found in many rock shelters. 2. Fist prints are completely absent. 3. Dots made by fingertips are a common feature. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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In the Mesolithic rock paintings, male figures are occasionally depicted wearing:

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Keep practising Chapter 1: Prehistoric Rock Paintings

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: They are characterized by linear representations of huge animal figures.
Correct. Early rock paintings, particularly from the Upper Palaeolithic period, often feature large animal figures such as bison, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. These representations are typically linear, focusing on the outlines and basic forms of the animals.
Statement 2: Green paintings depict dancers, while red paintings depict hunters.
Incorrect. The colour usage in Bhimbetka paintings is not strictly categorized in this manner. While both red and green colours are used, there is no definitive rule that green paintings exclusively depict dancers and red paintings exclusively depict hunters. Different colours were used for various subjects, and the themes often overlapped.
Statement 3: The paintings are predominantly executed in red and green colours.
Correct. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka exhibit paintings predominantly in red and green, along with white and yellow. Red, derived from haematite (geru), and green, derived from chalcedony, are among the most common colours used by the prehistoric artists.

Key Takeaway

Upper Palaeolithic paintings at Bhimbetka feature linear representations of large animal figures and are predominantly executed in red and green colours.